Officials of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bengaluru Zonal Unit, seized 4.776 kg of cocaine worth approximately ₹ 23.88 crore (market value) from a Brazilian national at the Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday morning.
Acting on specific information, NCB officials detained a passenger who was traveling from São Paulo to Doha, Qatar and later boarded a flight to Bengaluru.
During a search of his checked luggage, officers found four women’s handbags that had been specially modified with false walls and hidden bottom compartments. The hidden cavities contained several pieces of clothing fabric that had been chemically impregnated with cocaine, officials said.
The accused was taken into custody for detailed questioning to establish the source, intended destination and any wider conspiracy to attempt human trafficking. Court proceedings were initiated under the provisions of the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS).
The National Central Bank has urged citizens to share any information related to the sale or trafficking of narcotic or psychotropic substances through MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline on the toll-free number 1933, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.
Published – 18 Feb 2026 22:22 IST