Brazilian Couple Caught Smuggling Drugs in Swallowed Capsules

Swift Summary

• A Brazilian couple, Lucas and Bruna, were arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at kochi airport for allegedly smuggling drugs suspected to be cocaine.
• The couple reportedly swallowed the drugs in capsule form, wich were later detected during medical scans after no evidence was found during frisking and baggage checks.
• Around 70 capsules of suspected cocaine were recovered from their bodies; if confirmed,the seizure’s value could amount to crores.
• Swallowing drugs is considered a high-risk smuggling method due to dangers like potential capsule rupture inside the body, which can lead to death.
• The DRI received information about the couple’s hotel booking in Thiruvananthapuram and suspects they planned a drug handover there. further investigations are underway, including analysis of phone call details.

Indian Opinion Analysis
This incident underscores growing concerns about innovative and risky smuggling methods employed by drug networks targeting india as a transit or destination market for narcotics like cocaine. While India’s enforcement capacity against such activities has improved significantly through agencies like DRI utilizing intelligence-based operations, incidents such as this reflect challenges in combating advanced trafficking techniques-like internal concealment-which demand both technological advancements in detection and stronger international collaboration with source countries. additionally, Kerala’s prominence as part of alleged smuggling routes raises questions about regional connectivity being exploited for illicit trade that could have broader implications if unchecked.

Read More: Published – July 12, 2025