Amazon, Bollywood, and a Pudding‑Fake Smuggling Plot
In a twist that could’ve been lifted straight from a thriller film, Amazon India’s own high‑ranking execs were hauled in last week for allegedly turning the company’s online marketplace into a covert conduit for marijuana. The alleged scheme spun around a bag of 20 kg of cannabis, which police say the men hid behind a shipment of stevia – the natural sweetener you’d find in your sugar‑free drinks.
How the Plot Unfolded
Corporate bigwigs were named in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act after the police noticed discrepancies in the company’s paperwork. In fact, the suspects were allegedly whipping up a ten‑to‑one scale, selling roughly 1,000 kg of weed (valued at $148,000) through Amazon’s platform. While the exact number of executives charged isn’t clear, their involvement suggests a wide‑ranging operation.
Amazon’s Response
— A Calm Mobile‑App‑Style Denial
- “We don’t allow prohibited products,” Amazon said, keeping the tone 100% corporate.
- The company claimed it “takes strict action” against sellers who slip any illegal item onto the platform.
- “The issue was notified to us and we are currently investigating it,” they added, hinting at an internal review that will probably involve a lot of “why this seller didn’t read the policy” questions.
Why This Is a Big Deal in India
India’s authorities have ramped up their drug‑crackdown squad in recent years, and now even Bollywood stars and TV personalities have found themselves on the watch list. This latest Amazon controversy adds a tech twist to the country’s shift from a film‑centric to a high‑tech smuggling buzz‑word.
Bottom Line: When E‑Commerce Meets the Dark Side
Amazon’s foray into selling natural sweeteners turned out to be a front for a huge drug operation, raising serious questions for a giant of the online marketplace. And while the company stays cooler than a cucumber, the legal ramifications are a hot topic that will keep regulators hovering over every click and swipe.
