Bengaluru: A couple allegedly involved in a large drug trafficking racket used an unusual method to hide the smell of narcotics by allowing their pet dogs to urinate and defecate inside their apartment, according to officials of the Central Crime Branch (CCB).

The shocking detail emerged during the investigation after the CCB arrested Ashwini and Mubeena, a couple originally from Kerala, for allegedly selling drugs that were smuggled from abroad.

During a raid at their apartment in a posh residential complex near Bagalur, police discovered a large quantity of narcotics worth approximately ₹18 crore.

Large quantity of drugs seized

Officials said the seizure included 8,335 LSD strips, 5 kg of hydro ganja and 534 grams of charas.

While LSD strips do not emit a strong smell, substances such as hydro ganja and charas have a distinctive and strong odour that can easily attract attention.

Investigators said the accused had devised a plan to ensure that neighbours would not suspect the presence of drugs inside their flat.

Dogs used to mask the smell

According to CCB officials, the couple kept five dogs inside the apartment — a mother dog and her four puppies.

Instead of taking the dogs outside, they allegedly allowed the animals to relieve themselves inside the flat. Over time, the apartment developed a strong foul smell caused by the accumulation of dog waste.

Neighbours reportedly complained several times about the unhygienic conditions and the unpleasant odour, often describing the couple as unclean and urging them to take the dogs outside.

However, investigators later found that the smell was intentionally allowed to persist as it effectively masked the strong odour of the stored drugs.

Drugs allegedly smuggled from abroad

Police said the couple had allegedly brought large quantities of hydro ganja illegally from Thailand and stored them in their apartment before distributing them to buyers.

The foul smell generated inside the flat prevented neighbours and visitors from detecting the presence of narcotics, investigators said.

Officials believe the accused used the apartment as a storage and distribution point for the drugs.

Raid revealed shocking conditions

CCB officials said the situation inside the flat was extremely unpleasant when they conducted the raid.

“When we went to check the flat after the arrest, the smell was unbearable. The moment we opened the door, a horrible stench hit us. The flat looked like a garbage dump,” an officer involved in the investigation said.

According to police, it was only after questioning the accused that investigators understood the real reason behind the foul smell inside the apartment.

Investigation continues

Police are continuing their investigation to determine the wider network connected to the drug trafficking operation.

Officials are also examining how the narcotics were smuggled into the country and identifying other individuals who may have been involved in the distribution chain.

The case has highlighted the increasingly sophisticated and unusual methods used by drug traffickers to evade detection by authorities.