Plastic packets, powder inside goats were food?
Fresh investigations have indicated that the mysterious plastic packets and powder-like substances found inside the stomachs of the goats aboard the dhow MSV Yusufi could have been the sand that the animals might have consumed along with their feed.
The police, however, is waiting for the forensic reports to draw a final conclusion.
A senior police officer involved in the investigation said, “The goats were brought from Dubai, probably for consumption during their long journey. While goats here eat wet feed, animals there consume only dry feed since it is largely a desert region. It is possible that while eating, some sand particles and plastic might have been mixed with their food. We are, however, leaving no stone unturned to ascertain if it was a banned substance. The forensic reports will be out soon,” he said.
“Foreign objects” were found in the stomachs of five goats after an X-ray, following which veterinary doctors operated on them. Torn plastic packets were discovered and white powder-like substances were found in the animals’ stomach. Investigators believe that contents of the plastic bags must have spilled into the stomach after consumption. There are also speculations about the substance being ketamine or other psychotropic drugs.
The Coast Guard had intercepted the boat a few miles off the Mumbai coast early last month, after its officials had intercepted a call, reportedly made by a Thuraya satellite phone. The phone was, however, thrown overboard by the five accused after they spotted Coast Guard vessels, officials said.
Around 400 cartons imported cigarettes, mobile charges and accessories and two LCD television sets, which are dutiable goods were also recovered.
Post new comment