A supporting actor from the Bollywood film Student of the Year was apprehended at Chennai International Airport on September 28, 2025, after customs and revenue intelligence officers discovered 3.5 kg of cocaine—valued at approximately ₹35 crore—hidden in a false compartment of his luggage.
Key Facts
The Air Intelligence Unit of Chennai Customs, working with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), intercepted the actor upon his arrival from Singapore via Cambodia. Plastic pouches containing white powder concealed in the false bottom of his trolley tested positive for cocaine in a field test. The actor was detained pending further investigation.
Notable quote: “He claimed strangers in Cambodia handed him the trolley and asked him to deliver it here,” said a customs official.
Background
This bust follows two significant cocaine seizures at Chennai airport in September alone: a 5.6 kg haul hidden in Ferrero Rocher tins on September 1, and a 2 kg seizure from a passenger arriving from Singapore on September 16. Authorities warn that Chennai has become a preferred transit point for international drug syndicates employing elaborate concealment methods.
Official Statements
- Chennai Customs Director: “Our joint operations underscore our commitment to intercepting sophisticated smuggling networks.”
- DRI Spokesperson: “Investigations are ongoing to map the actor’s travel routes and identify the network behind this consignment.”
Reactions
Drug-trafficking experts praised the coordinated operation, noting that transnational cartels increasingly recruit unwitting couriers from the entertainment sector. Bollywood trade analysts expressed concern over the misuse of film-industry connections to obfuscate smuggling routes.
Civil-society advocates urged stronger airport screening protocols, citing the repeated busts as evidence of systemic vulnerabilities in India’s aviation security.
Impact
The arrest has triggered an internal review of air-cargo and passenger-luggage checks, with the Airports Authority of India and Customs considering enhanced scanning technologies. The film industry faces reputational fallout, prompting some production houses to review travel and accommodation policies for cast and crew.
Global/Geopolitical Angle
The case highlights Southeast Asia’s role as a conduit for South American cocaine, underscoring the need for closer bilateral cooperation between India, Singapore, and Cambodian authorities on intelligence sharing and joint anti-narcotics operations.
FAQs
1. Who was the actor arrested at Chennai airport?
A supporting actor who appeared in Student of the Year was arrested, though authorities have not yet disclosed his full identity due to the ongoing investigation.
2. How much cocaine was seized in this case?
Officials recovered 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, valued at approximately ₹35 crore, hidden in a false compartment of the actor’s luggage.
3. How did customs detect the drugs?
The Air Intelligence Unit and Directorate of Revenue Intelligence officers intercepted the passenger based on profiling. Upon inspection, they discovered the concealed packets, which tested positive for cocaine.
4. Was this an isolated case at Chennai airport?
No. Earlier in September, Chennai airport saw two major cocaine seizures: 5.6 kg hidden in Ferrero Rocher tins and 2 kg carried by a passenger from Singapore.
5. Why is Chennai airport being targeted by drug syndicates?
Authorities believe Chennai is becoming a preferred transit point for international cartels due to its high passenger traffic and multiple Southeast Asian flight connections.
6. What are the legal consequences for the actor?
If convicted under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the actor could face up to 20 years of imprisonment along with heavy fines.
7. How has the film industry reacted?
Bollywood trade analysts have expressed concern, warning that such incidents damage the industry’s reputation. Some production houses are reportedly reviewing travel protocols for their cast and crew.
8. What steps are being taken to strengthen airport security?
The Airports Authority of India and Customs are considering advanced scanning technologies and more stringent passenger profiling methods to prevent similar cases.
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