The couple operated a covert business, using a front company as a disguise. They cleverly shipped the drugs via plane, concealing them within a shipment of metal toolboxes to avoid suspicion.
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UK Couple Sentenced for Massive Cocaine Export
An Indian-origin couple in the UK, Arti Dhir, and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, faced extradition from India for their alleged involvement in the murder of their adopted son. However, they have now been sentenced to 33 years in prison each for exporting over half a tonne of cocaine to Australia.
Cocaine Shipment Disguised as Metal Toolboxes
Cocaine packages in toolbox. (Photo: NCA UK)
The National Crime Agency (NCA) identified the couple after Australian Border Force intercepted cocaine worth £57 million in Sydney in May 2021. The drugs were cleverly hidden in metal toolboxes, dispatched under the guise of a front company set up by the couple.
Denial, Conviction, and Sentencing
Dhir and Raijada initially denied exporting cocaine and money laundering but were convicted of 12 counts of exportation and 18 counts of money laundering. They were sentenced to 33 years in prison each.
Modus Operandi Unveiled
The couple’s scheme involved shipping drugs via commercial flights, utilizing their knowledge of airport freight procedures. The NCA traced 37 consignments sent to Australia since June 2019, exposing their smuggling activities.
Financial Investigations and Assets Seized
Nearly £3 million in cash was discovered concealed within boxes and suitcases at a storage unit in Hanwell, London.(Photo: NCA UK)
Further investigations revealed the couple’s significant wealth accumulation, including £3 million in cash hidden in various locations. They had purchased a flat and a Land Rover, contradicting their declared income of only a few thousand pounds. Money laundering charges were added.
NCA’s Pursuit of Justice
Piers Phillips, NCA Senior Investigating Officer, emphasized the couple’s exploitation of insider knowledge in the air freight industry. The NCA, in collaboration with Australian partners and UK Border Force, dismantled its supply chain.
Murder Allegations in India
The couple also faces murder allegations in India, connected to the death of their adopted son in 2017. Despite extradition requests being denied on human rights grounds, the NCA vows to continue targeting drug supply networks both in the UK and abroad.
Collaborative Efforts Against Drug Trade
The senior investigator highlighted the close cooperation between the National Crime Agency (NCA), Australian partners, and the UK Border Force. Their collective goal was to dismantle the supply chain established by Dhir and Raijada and ensure justice was served. The commitment extends to an ongoing focus on tackling the distribution of Class A drugs and apprehending those responsible, both within the UK and internationally.
British-Indian Couple’s Illicit Wealth Exposed
Financial investigations revealed that the British-Indian couple, Arti Dhir and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, purchased a flat in Ealing, London, for £800,000 and a Land Rover for £62,000. This extravagant spending contradicted the minimal profits reported to His Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC). The National Crime Agency (NCA) plans to initiate Proceeds of Crime proceedings to seize their assets.
Greed-Fueled Crim Unveiled
Senior Investigating Officer Piers Phillips highlighted how the couple exploited their insider knowledge in the air freight industry to traffic millions of pounds worth of cocaine from the UK to Australia. Despite attempting to conceal their wealth through property, gold, and silver, their illicit profits were stashed in cash at home and storage units. The NCA, in collaboration with Australian and UK Border Force partners, successfully dismantled their drug trafficking supply chain.
In a commendable international effort, Detective Superintendent Peter Faux from the New South Wales Police Force Organised Crime Squad praised the collaborative approach in tackling global criminal networks.
Conclusion
Arti Dhir and Kavaljitsinh Raijada, an Indian-origin couple based in the UK, have been handed a 33-year prison sentence each for their involvement in smuggling over half a ton of cocaine to Australia. Their covert operation involved a front company, disguising the drugs within shipments of metal toolboxes and utilizing their knowledge of airport freight procedures.
The National Crime Agency (NCA), in collaboration with Australian partners and the UK Border Force, successfully dismantled their supply chain, leading to the conviction. Despite facing extradition from India for murder allegations related to their adopted son, the couple’s criminal activities in drug trafficking have now resulted in a significant legal consequence. The NCA remains committed to combating drug supply networks both domestically and internationally.
