Sachin Walls
The presence of drug-sniffing dogs at airports is a common method of detecting contraband. In Mumbai, India, the Customs department has seized large quantities of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, at the CST International Airport with the help of sniffer dogs. In one instance, a sniffer dog named Urny identified a woman carrying 3.5 kg of heroin worth Rs 18 crore. However, drug peddlers have devised methods to evade detection, such as the use of black cocaine, which neutralizes the smell of regular cocaine, making it harder for sniffer dogs to detect. Despite this challenge, the Mumbai branch of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully intercepted attempts to smuggle black cocaine into the country through the Mumbai airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Presence of drug dogs | Yes |
| Effectiveness of drug dogs | Somewhat effective; "black cocaine" cannot be detected by sniffer dogs |
| Effectiveness of other methods | Human intelligence and close monitoring of suspicious behaviours are more effective than machines |
What You'll Learn
Sniffer dogs help detect drugs at Mumbai Airport
Sniffer dogs are an important tool in the detection of drugs at Mumbai Airport. In February 2022, a sniffer dog named Urny helped customs officials identify a woman carrying 3.5 kg of heroin worth Rs 18 crore. The dog rushed towards the woman and started barking, alerting officials to check her baggage and find drugs concealed in pouches, ultimately leading to her arrest.
Mumbai Customs, Zone-III, reported that in 2022, 56.06 kg of heroin and 33.81 kg of hashish were seized by the Mumbai Airport Commissionerate across 14 cases. In addition to drug-detecting dogs, human intelligence and the alertness of customs staff are crucial in detecting narcotics at the airport.
However, drug smugglers are constantly devising new ways to evade detection by sniffer dogs. In September 2022, a new trend came to light when the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested a Bolivian national carrying "black cocaine" at Mumbai Airport. This type of cocaine is mixed with a chemical to alter its colour and smell, making it undetectable to sniffer dogs and airport scanners.
Despite the challenges posed by evolving smuggling methods, sniffer dogs remain a valuable asset in the fight against drug trafficking at Mumbai Airport. Their keen sense of smell and quick response, as demonstrated by Urny, play a vital role in intercepting illegal drugs and bringing smugglers to justice.
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Mumbai Airport has a dog squad to identify drug carriers
Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CST) has a dog squad to identify drug carriers. The squad is part of the airport's security measures to combat drug smuggling and ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
The presence of sniffer dogs at the airport is a crucial tool in detecting narcotics and contraband. The dogs' keen sense of smell helps identify drugs that may be concealed in luggage or on a person. In one instance, a sniffer dog named Urny alerted officials to a woman passenger who was found to be carrying 3.5 kg of heroin worth Rs 18 crore. The dog squad plays a vital role in supporting the efforts of customs officials and security staff in maintaining a drug-free environment at the airport.
While the dog squad is an effective deterrent, drug smugglers are constantly devising new ways to evade detection. For example, a new trend known as "black cocaine" has emerged, where drug peddlers mix regular cocaine with a chemical to alter its colour and neutralise its smell, making it harder for sniffer dogs to detect. This innovative tactic poses a challenge to law enforcement, underscoring the ongoing arms race between drug enforcement and smugglers.
Despite the challenges, the Mumbai Airport authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to combat drug trafficking. The dog squad continues to be a valuable asset in their arsenal, working alongside customs officials and security staff to keep the airport and its passengers safe. The collaboration between the dog squad and human intelligence has proven effective in seizing and destroying significant quantities of drugs, including heroin and hashish, worth millions of rupees in the illicit market.
The presence of the dog squad at Mumbai Airport is a testament to the airport's commitment to security and the well-being of its passengers and staff. Their dedicated work helps maintain a safe and secure environment for all who pass through the airport.
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Black cocaine can't be detected by sniffer dogs
Drug-sniffing dogs, also known as K9 detection dogs, are an invaluable tool for law enforcement agencies in detecting the presence of drugs. These highly trained dogs have a keen sense of smell and are capable of detecting a wide range of drugs, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. They are commonly used in airports, train stations, ports, and other locations to sniff out drugs that may be concealed on a person or in luggage.
However, in a recent development, it has come to light that drug peddlers are using a new form of cocaine, known as "black cocaine", which evades detection by sniffer dogs. This trend was discovered when the NCB arrested a Bolivian national at the Mumbai airport on September 25, 2022, who was allegedly carrying black cocaine. The Mumbai NCB Zonal Director, Amit Ghawate, explained that black cocaine is created by mixing regular cocaine with a chemical that alters its colour and smell, making it undetectable by sniffer dogs and airport scanners.
The seizure of black cocaine in Mumbai highlights a concerning development in the illicit drug trade. Drug peddlers are constantly devising new methods to avoid detection, and the use of black cocaine underscores the importance of staying vigilant and adapting to new challenges in the fight against drug trafficking. This type of cocaine is new to the market and would have been easily sold and distributed if not for the timely intervention of law enforcement.
While sniffer dogs play a crucial role in intercepting illegal substances, they are not infallible. Their accuracy depends on various factors, including their training, experience, and the specific conditions in which they are deployed. In the case of black cocaine, the chemical treatment masks the scent of the drug, rendering it undetectable to the dogs. This method of neutralising the smell of cocaine poses a significant challenge to law enforcement, as traditional detection methods may not be sufficient.
To combat this new threat, law enforcement agencies must enhance their strategies and techniques for detecting black cocaine. This may include advanced scanning technologies, improved training methods for sniffer dogs, and increased collaboration between security forces to share information and best practices. By staying proactive and adaptable, law enforcement can stay one step ahead of drug peddlers and continue to ensure the safety and security of the public.
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Smugglers mix cocaine with chemicals to dodge sniffer dogs
It is unclear whether Mumbai Airport has drug-sniffing dogs. However, in September 2022, a Bolivian woman was arrested at the airport for carrying "black cocaine", which is designed to evade sniffer dogs.
Drug smugglers are constantly devising new ways to beat sniffer dogs and get their contraband past authorities. One of the latest methods is to mix cocaine with chemicals to create "black cocaine", which alters the colour and neutralises the smell of the drug, making it undetectable to sniffer dogs. This method was reportedly first caught by authorities in India in September 2022, when a Bolivian national was arrested at Mumbai Airport with the substance.
The use of "black cocaine" highlights the ingenuity and adaptability of drug smugglers in their attempts to circumvent drug enforcement measures. By altering the chemical composition of cocaine, they can make it invisible to both scanning technology and the keen sense of smell of sniffer dogs. This poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies and underscores the ongoing arms race between drug traffickers and authorities.
In the past, drug smugglers have tried to fool sniffer dogs by coating packages of cocaine with strong-smelling substances like Vicks VapoRub. In 2013, an Albanian drug smuggler, Admir Doda, was jailed for 15 years for his role in a drug smuggling ring that used this method to import at least 100 kilos of cocaine into the UK. The gang would stash tightly-wrapped packages of cocaine in socks and smear them with VapoRub to disguise the smell.
The arms race between drug smugglers and law enforcement is an ongoing battle, with smugglers constantly devising new ways to evade detection and authorities developing more advanced techniques to intercept them. While the use of "black cocaine" presents a new challenge, the successful arrest of the Bolivian national at Mumbai Airport demonstrates that law enforcement agencies are adapting and employing effective strategies to combat drug trafficking.
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A sniffer dog at Mumbai Airport once identified a woman carrying 3.5 kg of heroin
Yes, Mumbai Airport does have sniffer dogs, and they have been successful in identifying drugs. In one instance, a sniffer dog identified a woman carrying a substantial quantity of heroin.
The incident in question occurred when a sniffer dog named Annie alerted officials to a woman named Thalitha Mosiga Potgieter during a routine check at the airport. This incident, which took place in 2013, involved the discovery of 16 kgs of Ephedrine, which was cleverly concealed inside cardboard packets wrapped in lace and hidden within the woman's luggage. The estimated value of the drugs was an impressive Rs 3.2 crore.
In another instance, a sniffer dog named Orio assisted Customs authorities in Chennai, leading to the seizure of 1,542 grams of Methaqualone and 644 grams of heroin. The drugs were found in the baggage of a woman who had arrived from Addis Ababa, and they were valued at Rs 5.35 crore.
Mumbai Airport's Air Intelligence Unit of Mumbai Customs and the dog squad work together to combat drug smuggling. In one such instance, a sniffer dog named Urny detected the presence of psychotropic substances in the luggage of a departing passenger. The subsequent examination of the baggage revealed a cleverly concealed cavity containing 2002 grams of a white crystalline substance.
While these incidents highlight the crucial role of sniffer dogs in drug detection, it is important to note that drug peddlers are constantly devising new ways to evade detection. For example, the recent emergence of "black cocaine," which is designed to be invisible to scanning and undetectable by sniffer dogs, poses a new challenge for law enforcement.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mumbai Airport has drug dogs. In 2022, sniffer dogs helped customs detect 55 kg of drugs, including heroin and cocaine, at the airport.
Yes, the drug dogs at Mumbai Airport are effective. In one instance, a sniffer dog named Urny identified a woman carrying 3.5 kg of heroin. However, drug smugglers are constantly devising new ways to evade detection, such as by using "black cocaine," which neutralises the smell of regular cocaine.
Drugs seized at Mumbai Airport are typically destroyed through incineration at the Taloja facility of Mumbai Waste Management Limited (MWML) in Navi Mumbai.
The penalties for drug possession at Mumbai Airport can vary depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as other factors. However, it is important to note that drug-related offences are generally considered serious crimes in India and can result in strict penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
