Two Syrians held with smuggled cancer drugs worth ₹55L from Mumbai airport

Authorities stated that the high demand for these drugs has led to their smuggling, as the actual market value of these drugs is much higher

Two Syrian nationals were arrested from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) by the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) on Monday for smuggling lifesaving drugs worth ₹55 lakh.

The Syrian nationals had arrived from Turkey. (HT FILE)

Authorities stated that the high demand for these drugs has led to their smuggling, as the actual market value of these drugs is much higher. Khaldoun Jouda and Tarmanini Ali were arriving in the city from Turkey, when a baggage search led to the recovery of assorted medicines in huge quantities.

“These are European-made premium drugs used for the treatment of cancer,” said a high-ranking AIU officer.

“The smuggling of drugs takes place due to the demand-supply ratio in the market. These drugs are high in demand and also unavailable on most occasions. Thus, they are smuggled from abroad and sold at a higher price in the country.”

The said assorted medicines were seized under the reasonable belief that the same were attempted to be smuggled into India without prescription, purchase bill and no objection certificate from the additional drug controller’s office, stated a statement released by the AIU.

AIU investigating the destination where the drugs had to be delivered.

“We are investigating who are the locals involved in aiding the Syrian nationals,” said an officer, adding that this is a unique seizure apart from the usual gold and electronic smuggling cases.