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Cocaine Hidden in Shoes from Delhi Seized in Hyderabad

July 10, 2025, 1:00 pm

A serious drug peddling racket with an international connection has been busted by Hyderabad police, wherein cocaine stashed away in sandal heels, 1.6 grams of ‘ecstasy’ tablets, and a restaurant owner who procured these drugs from Delhi via a courier service were seized.

The probe started when the Cyberabad Narcotics Police Station had acted on a tip and picked up a restaurant owner, who was suspected to be a major consumer and distributor, on July 7. In the raid, officials seized 10 grams of cocaine, 3.2 grams of ‘OG Kush’, and 1.6 grams of ‘ecstasy’ pills.

What caught the special interest of the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) was the manner in which the drugs were smuggled. The cocaine was hidden in the hollow heel of a sandal, which was then placed in a pink cardboard box and shipped out of New Delhi under the name “Fatima,” reports PTI.

The arrested individual has been named as 34-year-old Surya Annamaneni, an entrepreneur whose arrest has apparently uncovered a far-reaching, transnational drug ring. The ring entails foreign suppliers, patrons at high-end pubs, drugs shipped through courier, and payments conducted through electronic means, EAGLE reported in a statement.

Further searches by EAGLE of Annamaneni’s Scorpio SUV led to the seizure of the narcotics. It was found that Shree Maruthi Courier was used to transport the parcel containing the concealed sandals, as per NDTV reports.

Who is Surya Annamaneni?

Annamaneni, who is at the epicenter of this big drug haul, is a graduate in engineering and MBA who lives in Kompally and runs a restaurant called ‘Malnadu Kitchen’. Prior to opening his hospitality business in Hyderabad, he worked as a sales manager in Bengaluru in 2020.

During interrogation after his arrest, he admitted to consuming and selling illicit drugs as well as disclosing major sources of his supply, police said.

Nigerian Connection and Operations

is said to have revealed to officials that his chain involved Indian middlemen and some Nigerian traffickers who were based in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Goa. Nick, Jerry, Dezmond, Stanley, and Prince were the identified Nigerians.

He allegedly informed police that he ordered cocaine and MDMA regularly from a Nigerian source, transferring money through bank accounts offered by the traffickers, PTI said. To prevent interception, the drugs were hidden in ordinary consumer items and mailed using courier companies.

According to the police, transactions included ₹1.39 lakh moved through a business linked to Annamaneni’s restaurant, along with another ₹41,000 withdrawn in cash. After arrival, the narcotics were typically stored in either Annamaneni’s vehicle or his restaurant premises before reaching customers.

Between 2021 and 2025, the accused admitted to purchasing cocaine roughly 20 times, often consuming it at premium pubs in Hyderabad.

He is currently charged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and has been remanded to judicial custody.

Major Cocaine Gang Busted in Canary Islands: 48 Arrested in Multi-Nation Raids

June 7, 2025, 12:50 am

Spanish police have dismantled a massive international cocaine trafficking operation that used high-speed boats to ferry drugs from South America to the Canary Islands. Authorities seized nearly four tonnes of cocaine and arrested 48 individuals in coordinated raids across Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.

Operation Black Shadow: Global Law Enforcement Collaboration

Dubbed Operation Black Shadow, the multi-national sting involved law enforcement agencies from Spain, the UK, the US, and several South American countries. Spanish Policia Nacional described the network as one of the largest and most sophisticated cocaine smuggling rings ever intercepted in the region.

The gang reportedly used a fleet of 11 “narco boats” to repeatedly shuttle cocaine from Brazil and Colombia across the Atlantic. Europol revealed that these speedboats were launched from strategic Atlantic locations and met with a larger “mother ship” carrying the narcotics. A key element of the operation involved an abandoned wreck at sea, repurposed as a refuelling hub for the boats.

Encrypted Communication and High-Tech Evasion Tactics

Authorities say the criminals employed advanced technology to avoid detection, including encrypted communications, satellite terminals, and untraceable phones with coded language. In total, police searched 29 properties, seized 69 vehicles including boats and jet skis, and recovered cash and firearms.

The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) confirmed that a British national was among those arrested, underscoring the international scope of the network. “Alongside our international partners, we are relentless in our efforts to tackle drug trafficking across borders,” said an NCA spokesperson.

Local Distribution Network Uncovered in Canary Islands

Spanish authorities also uncovered a local distribution network within the Canary Islands, responsible for circulating the cocaine once it arrived from South America.

Video footage released by Spanish police showed armed officers raiding homes and arresting suspects. In a similar December 2024 operation, authorities intercepted a Venezuelan fishing boat carrying 3.3 tonnes of cocaine, which sank while they towed it to shore. Authorities hailed Operation Black Shadow as a major blow to transatlantic drug cartels.

Busted! Irish Businessman Caught With €10.6M Cocaine In Hidden Truck Compartment

March 24, 2025, 8:41 am

A 61-year-old man from Co Waterford, Ireland, has been denied bail after being charged with possession of €10.6 million worth of cocaine. Michael Murphy, a transport manager at Herriot Haulage Limited, was arrested as part of an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Irish authorities.

Massive Drug Seizure Uncovered

Detective Garda Sean Lane of Waterford Garda Station informed the court that Murphy was apprehended on March 18 following a targeted investigation. Initially, a search of his vehicle did not reveal any contraband. However, when the truck and trailer were taken to Dublin Port for further inspection, an X-ray scan revealed an anomaly within the refrigerated unit.

A subsequent deep search, aided by the stolen motor vehicle investigation unit and the dog unit, uncovered a sophisticated hydraulic concealment system. Authorities discovered 152 kg of cocaine, verified by Science Foundation Ireland, along with mobile phones, tools, bags, and GPS tracking devices—some of which were located near the hidden compartment.

Investigators suspect the cocaine was transported from Spain to Ireland on behalf of multiple organized crime groups.

Advanced Counter-Surveillance Equipment Discovered

During additional searches, authorities found a high-tech portable signal jammer, commonly used for counter-surveillance purposes. The device, described as a military-grade tool, was reportedly used to aid criminal operations, making it highly unusual for an ordinary civilian to possess.

Court Proceedings and Bail Refusal

Murphy appeared before a special sitting of Gorey District Court wearing a black hooded fleece, black pants, and brown shoes. He was formally charged with possession of cocaine and possession with intent to sell or supply. In response to the charges, he stated, “I understand the charge.”

His solicitor, Chris Hogan, argued for bail, emphasizing Murphy’s strong ties to Ireland. Hogan stated that his client, a widower with five children, was a businessman with local employees and ongoing business ventures.

However, Detective Garda Lane opposed bail, citing Murphy’s potential international connections. Despite Hogan’s argument that his client posed no flight risk, Judge Kevin Staunton ruled against bail due to the severity of the charges and the significant quantity of drugs seized.

Murphy has been remanded in custody and will appear via video link at Waterford District Court on Tuesday. He retains the right to appeal the bail decision.

‘Cocaine Is Not Worse Than Whiskey,’ Says Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro | Watch

February 6, 2025, 6:58 pm

Colombian President Gustavo Petro in a bold statement said that cocaine is no more dangerous than whiskey and only prohibited because it hails from Latin America. His comments during the six-hour-long government meeting triggered a heated debate about global drug policies and the effects they had on Latin American countries.

Cocaine No Worse Than Whiskey, Claims Petro

Petro said cocaine is criminalized to produce more political effect rather than a public health threat. He said the illegality of cocaine emanates from Latin American countries, where it is produced rather than it being a health risk than alcohol. “Cocaine is illegal because it is produced in Latin America, not because it’s worse than whiskey,” he said, according to Politico.

Colombian president Gustavo Petro says cocaine is “no worse than whiskey”, and is only illegal because it’s from Latin America.

This is what patriotism looks like snowflakes x pic.twitter.com/ocNxIwQPQQ

— PoliticsJOE (@PoliticsJOE_UK) February 6, 2025

He has explained that according to scientific studies, cocaine is no more harmful than whiskey. It is one of the liquors that have not been prohibited in many countries. Petro argued that legalizing cocaine worldwide can disintegrate the illegal drug business, a business he thinks contributes to violence and instability in the region.

Petro Wants Cocaine Legalized Globally

In his comments, Petro said the multi-billion dollar drug trade could be “readily dismantled” if cocaine were to be legalized all over the world. He explained that legalization would open the floodgate for the cocaine to be sold in a regulated manner like it is today. “If someone wants peace, the business has to be dismantled,” Petro said. “It could easily be dismantled if they legalized cocaine in the world. It would be sold like wine.”

This is part of Petro’s greater call for the world to shift its approach toward drug policy away from criminal enforcement and toward decriminalization and legalization. Colombia, as the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocaine, has had a long history of battling drug trafficking and related violence. Thus, Petro’s comments reflect a desire to think anew about strategy and promote a more pragmatic approach.

Fentanyl Crisis and the U.S. Drug War

On the other hand, Petro also pointed out the fentanyl crisis in the United States, which is one of the major contributors to the ongoing opioid epidemic. He pointed out that fentanyl, which has caused widespread fatalities in the U.S., is not produced in Colombia. “Fentanyl was created as a pharmacy drug by North American multinationals,” Petro noted, adding that people who became addicted to fentanyl had done so after it was marketed as a pharmaceutical product.

He says that such comparisons between fentanyl and the cocaine issue by the U.S. are about criticizing selective focus, ignoring the dangers caused by products that are manufactured in Latin America while overlooking harms like fentanyl that are produced outside the region.

A Turning Point in the War on Drugs?

Petro’s declarations add to the growing debate about the effectiveness of the global war on drugs. His call for the legalization of cocaine represents a challenge to long-standing U.S. policies that have heavily relied on criminalization and interdiction strategies to combat drug trafficking. As the world’s largest producer of cocaine, Colombia’s stance on drug policy is crucial in shaping future global drug laws.

With this in mind, Petro’s proposal seeks to address not only the violence that drug cartels cause but also to reshape global drug regulations focusing on public health and legal reforms. The debate over cocaine legalization is expected to continue as Colombia and other Latin American countries find their roles in the war on drugs.

NCB Busts Major Cocaine Operation In Delhi, Seizes Over 80 kg And Arrests 4

November 16, 2024, 10:30 pm

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has made a significant cocaine bust in Delhi, arresting four individuals and recovering over 80 kg of high-quality cocaine from the Janakpuri and Nangloi areas. The estimated market value of the seized drugs is between Rs 11 crore and Rs 14 crore per kilogram.

NCB Deputy Director General (DDG) Neeraj Kumar Gupta explained that the operation began with the seizure of 1 kg of cocaine from a small courier company, and further investigation led to the discovery of 73 packets containing over 81.5 kg of cocaine. “A total of four people have been arrested. Based on further leads, we raided a house where the bulk of the drugs were found,” Gupta told ANI.

Also Read: NCB Seizes Rs 900 Crore Worth Of Cocaine In Delhi: Amit Shah

The parcel seized on November 11 was intended for export to Australia, as was a previous one in August. Gupta emphasized that the NCB is closing in on the key players behind the operation, with the cocaine’s market price estimated at Rs 11-14 crore per kilogram.

The success of the operation, which followed leads from earlier seizures in March and August 2024, was credited to a mix of technical and human intelligence. Despite the smugglers’ attempts to disrupt the supply chain, the NCB traced the cocaine to Janakpuri and Nangloi. The investigation revealed that the syndicate, operated by individuals based abroad, was using courier and cargo services to send the drugs to Australia, with hawala operators communicating under pseudonyms for trafficking activities.

NCB Seizes Rs 900 Crore Worth Of Cocaine In Delhi: Amit Shah

November 15, 2024, 11:36 pm

High-grade cocaine worth ₹900 crore was seized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in New Delhi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on X on Friday.

This back-to-back major breakthrough against the illicit drugs in one single day show that this Modi government is completely committed to making a drug-free Bharat,” Shah said. The NCB today seized 82.53 kg of high-grade cocaine in New Delhi. Such a massive consignment of drugs worth approximately ₹900 crore was tracked down through a bottom-to-top approach after a quantity of drugs was seized in a courier center in Delhi. Our hunt against the drug rackets shall continue ruthlessly.

Also Read: EC Officials Check Amit Shah’s Bags During His Maharashtra Visit| Video

The NCB, in its statement said that it revealed from the investigation that an overseas syndicate was involved in running the racket, which planned to send part of the contraband to Australia through courier and small cargo services. The statement said that the racket used pseudonyms to keep anonymity and the people involved were mostly hawala operators.

Contrary to this, around 700 kg of Methamphetamine worth an estimated ₹2,500-3,500 crore was seized off Gujarat’s Porbandar coast earlier during the day. Eight foreign nationals, who claimed to be Iranians, were seized.

Major narcotic drug seizures occurred in October as well. ₹13,000 crores worth of drugs were seized. On 13 October, as much as 518 kgs of cocaine worth ₹5,000 crore was seized in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. Delhi Police had earlier seized 562 kgs of cocaine and 40 kg of hydrophonic marijuana from Mahipalpur. Once again, 208 kgs of cocaine were seized from a shop in Ramesh Nagar.

The hunt against drugs and narco trade will continue with no laxity, Shah said.

Cocaine Valued at Rs 2,000 Crore Seized In Delhi: Second Major Drug Bust Within A Week

October 10, 2024, 8:43 pm

Delhi Police Special Cell has successfully dismantled another drug trafficking operation, seizing approximately 200 kilograms of cocaine worth ₹2,000 crore from a warehouse in the Ramesh Nagar area on Thursday, according to officials.

The operation was made possible by tracking the GPS system in the vehicle used for transporting the cocaine, allowing police to pinpoint its location. Initial reports suggest that the individual responsible for bringing the cocaine to Delhi has fled to London.

This seizure is connected to a previous case involving the same syndicate, where over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana, valued at ₹5,620 crore, were confiscated on October 2 from a godown in Mahipalpur, south Delhi.

During the operation, four suspects—Tushar Goyal (40), Himanshu Kumar (27), Aurangzeb Siddiqui (23), and Bharat Kumar Jain (48)—were arrested at the scene, while two others were apprehended later in Amritsar and Chennai. Additionally, a person named Akhlak was arrested in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, for aiding in drug transportation across northern India.

Delhi Police have issued a lookout circular (LOC) for Indian-origin businessman Virender Basoya, based in Dubai, who is suspected to be linked to the ₹5,620 crore drug cartel.

Delhi Police Seize Over 560 kg of Cocaine in Major Drug Syndicate Bust

October 2, 2024, 7:48 pm

In a major crackdown on an international drug syndicate, the Delhi Police have seized more than 560 kg of cocaine in the national capital. The operation, led by the Special Cell, is being hailed as the “biggest cocaine haul in recent times,” according to Pramod Singh Kushwaha, Additional Commissioner of Police, Special Cell.

Arrests and Drug Seizures

The police arrested four individuals in connection with the drug operation. Among those detained are Tushar Goyal, a resident of Vasant Vihar in Delhi, and his two associates, Himanshu and Aurangzeb. A fourth suspect, Bharat Jain from Kurla West, Mumbai, has also been arrested.

Kushwaha revealed that the police recovered around 15 kg of cocaine from the personal possession of Goyal and his associates. The drugs were seized as the suspects exited a godown in Mahipalpur Extension, where they were preparing to deliver the supply to a receiver. Additional quantities of marijuana and cocaine were found in the godown.

International Links and Investigation

The investigation has unveiled potential international connections. “The forward and backward linkages point to a Middle Eastern country—a major handler can be seen,” Kushwaha stated.

The estimated value of the seized cocaine is Rs 2,000 crore in the international market, making this bust a significant victory in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.

The investigation into the syndicate is ongoing, with authorities probing deeper into the network’s international ties and handlers.

Prince Harry Urged To Apologize For Cocaine Use Ahead Of Colombia Tour

August 14, 2024, 4:17 pm

An associate of Prince William has called on Prince Harry to apologize for his past cocaine use ahead of his and Meghan Markle’s upcoming tour of Colombia. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were invited to the country by Vice President Francia Márquez.

In his memoir, *Spare*, Harry admitted to experimenting with cocaine at the age of 17, though he claimed it “didn’t do anything for me.” A source close to Prince William told the *Daily Beast* that Harry should use his visit to Colombia to acknowledge the impact of drug use on the country, which has been severely affected by narco-terrorism. The associate suggested that an apology from Harry would be a “helpful intervention.”

Colombia has struggled with record-high coca cultivation, with 2,300 square kilometers of crops reported in 2022, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Critics of Meghan and Harry’s visit have expressed surprise at their choice of destination, given the country’s issues with crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some have also questioned the Sussexes’ refusal to return to the UK, citing security concerns, while embarking on what some are calling a “quasi-royal” tour.

Cocaine Controversy at Paris Olympics: Australian Hockey Star Arrested for Allegedly Purchasing Drugs

August 7, 2024, 9:20 pm

Australian Olympic field hockey player Tom Craig was arrested in Paris early Wednesday on suspicion of purchasing cocaine. The 28-year-old midfielder, who last played for Australia in their quarter-final loss to the Netherlands at the Paris Olympics, was detained around 00:30 am (2230 GMT) following a cocaine transaction near an apartment building.

Craig was found with approximately one gram of cocaine at the time of his arrest. A 17-year-old drug dealer, who was carrying various drugs including 75 ecstasy pills and synthetic substances, was also arrested. The case has been handed to the French anti-narcotics brigade due to the large quantity of drugs involved.

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) confirmed that an Australian hockey team member is in custody but noted that no charges have been filed yet. The AOC is providing support to the team member and continues to investigate the situation. The International Olympic Committee has declined to comment on the arrest.

Craig’s arrest follows the Australian men’s hockey team’s quarter-final exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics, where they were defeated 2-0 by the Netherlands.

DRI Seizes Cocaine Worth Over Rs 9 Crore From Foreign National

May 11, 2024, 6:33 pm

In a recent operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) confiscated 975 grams of cocaine valued at approximately Rs 9.75 crore from a Brazilian individual at Mumbai Airport. Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted the suspect on May 8, 2024, at CSMI Airport in Mumbai.

Upon interrogation, the detained passenger confessed to ingesting drug-filled capsules for smuggling into India. Following a court order, the individual was admitted to Sir JJ Hospital in Mumbai, where he expelled a total of 110 capsules containing the cocaine substance.

The seizure, conducted on May 10, 2024, was carried out under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. Subsequently, the passenger was arrested, and investigations are ongoing to identify other members of this international drug smuggling syndicate.

This successful operation by DRI marks the agency’s second significant action within a week, underscoring its steadfast dedication to combat the drug trade.

Kenyan National Caught with Rs 14.90 Cr Cocaine at Mumbai Airport

December 29, 2023, 1:18 pm

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detained a Kenyan female passenger at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on allegations of smuggling cocaine valued at Rs 14.90 crore, according to a DRI statement released on Friday. Acting on intelligence, DRI officers apprehended the Kenyan national, who arrived on flight no KQ 204 from Nairobi to Mumbai on December 28. The officers seized 1490 grams of a “white powdery substance purported to be cocaine,” with an estimated worth of around Rs 14.90 crore.

The statement revealed the inventive concealment method, stating, “The ingenious concealment of the drugs involved two black polythene packets cleverly placed within a hair conditioner bottle and a body wash bottle.” The detained passenger faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act of 1985 and has been placed in judicial custody following her arrest. The release concluded by noting that further investigation is ongoing.

Israel arrests 3 United Nations employees for smuggling liquid cocaine

June 26, 2023, 11:46 am

On Sunday, Israeli officials apprehended three United Nations personnel attempting to smuggle liquid cocaine into the nation disguised as perfume-making equipment. The arrests were made at the Jordan River Customs House, which is located along the northern border with Jordan near Beit Shean. Liquid cocaine is made by dissolving the cocaine into water or certain other liquids and later converting it back to powder form. It can be difficult to detect because the liquid often masks cocaine’s odour. Smugglers often hide it inside shampoo, perfume or syrup containers, or liquor bottles. According to the Israeli Tax Authority, a number of UN workers arrived at the border crossing when a routine inspection raised suspicion about the perfume-making kits.
Assessments were submitted to a careful examination which included a dog-sniffing test.
The UN employees were arrested and transferred to the police for further investigation.

Rs 47 crore drugs seized at Mumbai airport by customs

January 6, 2023, 6:14 pm

Customs seizes six kg of heroin and cocaine worth over Rs 47 crore at the Mumbai airport on Friday. Meanwhile, in a documents folder covers heroin was concealed and in clothes, buttons cocaine was kept. However, 4.47 kg of heroin is Rs 31.29 crore, and 1.596 kg of cocaine is valued at Rs 15.96 crore. In the two separate cases, these were seized.

1 held with 11 grams cocaine in Goa

October 2, 2022, 3:22 pm

Mapusa Police arrested a man from Belgavi with 11 grams of cocaine worth Rs 1 lakh on Saturday.

A narcotics raid was conducted and the accused was caught red-handed said PSI Bablo S Parab on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the accused has been identified as Zaheer Sheikh who hails from Veerbhadranagar.

Moreover, PI Paresh Naik led the team under the supervision of SDPO Mapusa, Jiviba Dalvi. A case has been also registered under section 21 (b) of the NDPS Act.

However, further investigation into the case is underway.