On March 16th, a container carrying approximately 25,000 kg of dried yeast from Brazil arrived at the Visakhapatnam port. It was suspected that drugs were concealed within the dried yeast in the container. Acting on information provided by Interpol, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in Delhi initiated an investigation. CBI officials from Delhi conducted the investigation on March 19th and 20th.
In the presence of a judge, officials collected samples from the dried yeast bags. These samples were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) to determine the quantity of narcotics present in each kilogram of yeast. Following a preliminary investigation, the CBI confirmed the presence of prohibited narcotics hidden in the dried yeast, causing a nationwide uproar.
Sandhya Aqua Exports was identified as the company that imported the yeast for the production of shrimp feed. The CBI registered a case against Sandhya Aqua Exports and several unidentified individuals. Subsequently, the CBI announced that it was awaiting reports from three laboratories, which were expected within three weeks. However, over two months have passed with no progress in the case, raising several concerns and questions about the lack of action.
For further investigation, CBI teams reportedly traveled to Brazil. The details of their findings have yet to be disclosed. Meanwhile, another team conducted inspections at industries in Mulapeta and Vajrakut in Kakinada District related to Sandhya Exports. During this time, a company bus carrying records, cheque books, and vouchers broke down. Local police handed these documents over to the management instead of the CBI, raising suspicions.
Additionally, the CBI decided to store the container in a location that could withstand all weather conditions. Despite this, it remains at the Visakhapatnam Container Terminal Private Limited (VCTPL) examination point.
