Overview

• Two Indian passengers arriving from Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airlines were intercepted in a joint NCB–Air Intelligence Unit–Chennai Customs operation.
• Scans of hand baggage uncovered compact capsules hidden in premium chocolate boxes and cans, according to customs.
• The cocaine’s street value is estimated at roughly ₹60 crore, with retail prices typically ₹8,000–₹12,000 per gram, the NCB said.
• Follow-up actions led to the arrest of a Nigerian national in Delhi on an expired medical visa and another Indian suspect in Mumbai.
• Investigators say the couriers had made repeated trips from Addis Ababa, identified an India-origin contact in Ethiopia, and shared overstayer data with states for action under the Foreigners Act.