Tag: DRI

Seizes over 845 kg drugs ganja, charas, cocaine; 15 persons arrested under ND and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

Continuing its sustained crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has effected significant seizures of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in multiple intelligence-led operations across the country. Over 845 kg contraband, including ganja/cannabis, charas, Amphetamine has been seized and 15 persons have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Seizure of charas and cannabis

On 20.09.2026, based on specific intelligence regarding smuggling of Charas/Hashish from Nepal, DRI officers intercepted two female passengers travelling by Jan Nayak Express at Gorakhpur Railway Station. Their personal search resulted in the recovery of around 6 kg of Charas/Hashish, concealed in knee caps wrapped around their thighs and hidden under their sarees. The contraband was seized and both passengers were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Six packets of charas weighing 6 kg arranged on a surface, with some containing yellow packaging and marked labels.

In addition, DRI officers also seized around 801 kg cannabis in two significant operations. On 17.09.2026, in an intelligence led operation, DRI officers intercepted a container truck near Jindapur Toll Plaza, Bodh Gaya. Search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of around 752.3 kg ganja/cannabis, packed in 737 packets and concealed in rice husk. The contraband, vehicle and rice husk were seized and the driver was arrested.

A large pile of wrapped cannabis bundles, totaling 752.3 kg, laid out on the ground in Bodhgaya.

On 11.09.2026, DRI, in coordination with the Ghariyaband Forest Department, intercepted two persons at Mentri village in Odisha, who were allegedly proceeding to deliver narcotic drugs. Search resulted in the recovery of around 48.5 kg of Ganja, packed in 25 packets in 3 sacks along with the scooter used for transportation. The contraband and vehicle were seized and both persons were arrested.

A large haul of 48.5 kg of cannabis packaged in multiple bundles displayed on the floor.

In addition, based on intelligence shared by DRI, Customs authorities at Mumbai and Bengaluru international airports seized approximately 28 kg high-grade cannabis/hydroponic weed from four passengers arriving from Thailand and Vietnam. The contraband was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and all four passengers were arrested.Seizure of cocaineIn another major intelligence led operation at IGI Airport, New Delhi, on 15.09.2026, DRI officers intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Dubai via Doha. Detailed examination of his checked-in baggage resulted in the recovery of around 5.8 kg white-coloured powder packed in nine packets, which tested positive for Cocaine during field testing. The contraband was seized and the passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

A black handbag with a gold chain, containing concealed cocaine, seized at Delhi Airport.

Seizure of Amphetamine

In series of operations, DRI intercepted multiple consignments of Amphetamine and seized cumulativelyaround 4.5 kgs of Amphetamine type stimulantsand a total of five persons were arrested in these three operations.

At Mumbai, on 16.09.2026, an Indian woman passenger travelling from Delhi was intercepted and around 493 grams pills concealed inside bottles marked as Baby Powder were recovered; the pills tested positive for Amphetamine/Ecstasy. The suspected pills were seized and the passenger was arrested.

At Calicut Airport, on 09.09.2026, around 1.9 kg of Amphetamine was recovered from a passenger’s baggage and a subsequent operation resulted in the arrest of the receiver and organiser, with an additional 17 grams Amphetamine and Rs. 3.45 lakh in cash recovered from their possession/vehicle.

At Indore, on the same date, DRI officers intercepted a passenger travelling by bus from Delhi and recovered around 2 kg Amphetamine, concealed inside salwar suit sets. The contraband was seized and person was arrested.

Packages of salwar suits with plastic bags containing seized amphetamine visible inside.

These operations underscore DRI’s continued focus on disrupting organised drug-trafficking networks, intercepting narcotic consignments at different stages of their movement and detecting innovative methods of concealment.

DRI Seizes 76 Kg of Methamphetamine in Assam and Mizoram

Continuing its sustained crackdown on narcotics trafficking along North-Eastern frontier, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in two intelligence-led operations in Assam and Mizoram has seized 76 kg Methamphetamine tablets. Two persons have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

On 25.08.26, in the latest intelligence led operation, the officers of DRI, assisted by personnel of 38th Battalion, Assam Rifles, Silchar, intercepted a suspect 12-wheeler truck at Lalpani, around 40 km from Silchar near the Assam-Manipur border. The truck was identified from among a large convoy of vehicles arriving from Jiribam, Manipur.

Thorough examination of the truck led to the detection of a specially fabricated concealed cavity in the driver’s cabin behind the driver’s seat, which contained 36 brick-sized packets weighing 1 kg each and 100 smaller packets weighing 200 grams each, containing pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be Methamphetamine.

Preliminary testing of the samples using the field detection kit indicated the presence of Amphetamine. The recovered contraband, weighing 56 kg along with the truck was seized under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The occupant of the vehicle was also arrested.

Earlier, on 18.08.2026, in another intelligence-led operation along the Aizawl–Champhai Road in Mizoram, officers of DRI intercepted a car at Bung Bangla, approximately 30 km from Aizawl. Detailed rummaging of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 64 assorted-sized packets containing 20 kg of pinkish-orange tablets suspected to be methamphetamine, concealed inside specially designed deep cavities in the rocker panels/side sills along both sides of the vehicle and in the space between the fuel tank and the floor of the car.

Tests conducted using the NDPS field test kit indicated the presence of amphetamine. Preliminary investigation indicated that the drugs had been smuggled from Myanmar into Mizoram through the Zokhawthar–Champhai sector. The 20 kg contraband along with the vehicle used for its transportation, was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The driver of the vehicle was arrested.

Methamphetamine is a potent synthetic psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Its illicit consumption can cause serious physical and psychological consequences, including cardiovascular complications, agitation, paranoia and psychosis, while prolonged abuse can lead to severe dependence and neurological and behavioural impairment. Methamphetamine is notified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985, and its illicit manufacture, possession, transportation and trafficking attract stringent penal consequences.

DRI uncovers large-scale illegal use of SAFTA agreement in areca imports

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), in a month-long intelligence-led operation, has dismantled a major network involved in importing South-East Asian areca nuts into India by falsely declaring them as Bangladeshi origin and fraudulently availing concessional duty benefits under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). The investigation has so far revealed a potential revenue loss of more than Rs. 2,500 crore. Nine persons have been arrested in connection with the case.

The import of areca nuts into India attracts a Basic Customs Duty (BCD) of 100%. However, eligible imports of areca nuts made under SAFTA agreement are fully exempt from customs duty.  The areca nuts originating from Bangladesh are entitled to exemption under SAFTA if imports meet the prescribed Rules of Origin criterion.

Intelligence gathered and developed by DRI indicated that certain syndicates were fraudulently claiming the SAFTA benefits on a very large scale on imports of areca nuts.  While they were importing areca nuts originating and sourced from Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and other South-East Asian countries, they were mis-declaring the country of origin of areca nuts imported into India as Bangladesh.

Thereafter, simultaneous searches were conducted at multiple premises linked to importers, Customs Brokers and IEC holders in Kolkata and Visakhapatnam. Several incriminating documents and substantial evidences establishing the South-East Asian origin of Areca nuts were recovered. DRI officers also recovered and seized around Rs. 75 lakh in cash, believed to be sale proceeds of the illegally imported goods.  A live consignment of around 160 MT of areca nuts.

The investigations so far have revealed huge scale of fraudulent imports of areca nuts in which exchequer has been duped of customs duty in excess of Rs 2,500 crore in recent years. The masterminds were facilitating the import of areca nuts from South-East Asian countries into one of the EPZ in Bangladesh and thereafter routing the goods to India merely changing containers and bags and passing them off as Bangladeshi-origin areca nuts. They had fraudulently obtained SAFTA Certificates of Origin from Bangladeshi authorities. The masterminds were charging substantial commissions from Indian importers for arranging the routing, documentation, clearance and transportation of the consignments and massive collection of payments in cash… The investigation has also brought to light the use of hawala channels and dummy entities for movement and layering of the financial proceeds.

Investigation has further revealed that one Customs Broker firm was particularly responsible for clearance of most of the fraudulent imports of areca nuts identified in the case. Consequent to the ongoing investigation by DRI, the Customs Broker’s licence has been suspended by the competent authority. Nine persons have been arrested so far in connection with the case.

Such illegal imports adversely impact domestic areca nut growers and legitimate trade by creating unfair price distortion, and disrupting the level playing field for legitimate businesses. Besides causing huge loss to the Government revenue, these illegal activities also undermine regulated trade practices and economic security in the border regions.

With this operation, DRI has effectively disrupted a well-organised network involved in systematic mis-declaration of country of origin, fraudulent availment of SAFTA benefits and large-scale evasion of customs revenue.

DRI uncovers another clandestine drug manufacturing unit in Maharashtra

Continuing its sustained crackdown on illicit manufacture and transnational trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed an organised network involved in the clandestine manufacture, concealment and illegal export of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, a scheduled psychotropic substance, to African countries. The week-long intelligence-led operation resulted in the seizure of 1 lakh Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, 1 lakh Tapentadol tablets, machinery and raw materials used in the clandestine manufacture of psychotropic substances, and the arrest of three key members of the syndicate.

On 02.08.26, in an intelligence led operation, the officers of DRI intercepted an export consignment at the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex destined for Nigeria. The export consignment had been declared as containing Pregabalin capsules – 300 mg. Detailed examination, however, resulted in the recovery and seizure of 1 lakh Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets 250 mg (weighing approximately 25 kg) and 1 lakh Tapentadol tablets 200 mg (weighing approximately 20 kg), which had been concealed inside the export consignment.  

The swift investigations by DRI exposed a well-organised supply chain operating across multiple stages. The Tramadol tablets were clandestinely manufactured at a factory in Ambernath, Maharashtra, and packed in plain cartons to conceal their identity. The consignments were thereafter transported to a warehouse near the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex, where they were repacked in white gunny bags and prepared for illegal export to Nigeria.

In a series of coordinated follow-up operations conducted over the week, DRI officers carried out searches at multiple locations linked to the exporter, manufacturer, supplier, transporter and storage warehouse. Searches at the manufacturing facility resulted in the seizure of tablet compression machinery, besides substantial quantities of raw materials, to be used in the clandestine manufacture of psychotropic substances. The operation culminated in the arrest of three key accused persons, including the IEC holder/exporter, the supplier-cum-coordinator and the clandestine manufacturer of the Tramadol tablets.

Tramadol and Tapentadol are synthetic opioid analgesics widely used under medical supervision for the management of moderate to severe pain. Owing to their abuse potential and risk of dependence, both medicines are subject to stringent regulatory controls. Tramadol has been notified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, whereas Tapentadol, though not presently included in the Schedule to the NDPS Act, is strictly regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the rules made thereunder. The illicit manufacture, diversion and trafficking of these medicines pose a serious public health concern and are frequently linked to organised transnational drug trafficking networks

With this operation, DRI has effectively dismantled an organised network involved in the illicit manufacture, storage, concealment and attempted export of psychotropic substances.

In three major operations, the DRI seized 15 kg of methamphetamine, 11 metric tonnes of foreign poppy seeds, and 10 metric tonnes of areca nuts smuggled from Myanmar

Continuing its sustained crackdown on cross-border smuggling and narcotics trafficking along India’s North-Eastern frontier, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a series of intelligence-driven operations in Mizoram and Assam, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg Methamphetamine tablets, around 11 MT of foreign-origin poppy seeds, and 10 MT of smuggled foreign-origin areca nuts. 

In a major intelligence led narcotics interdiction yesterday, officers of DRI intercepted an ambulance near Sakei Bangla, about 40 km from Aizawl on the Aizawl–Champhai Road, suspected to be transporting narcotic drugs under the guise of a medical emergency. Examination of the ambulance revealed 15 brick-shaped packets containing 15 kg pinkish-orange Methamphetamine tablets, a psychotropic substances, concealed inside a white HDPE bag placed beside a patient bed on which a dummy patient was lying. Preliminary investigation revealed that the contraband had been smuggled into Mizoram from Myanmar through the Champhai–Zokhawthar sector and was destined for further transportation to Assam. The recovered Methamphetamine along with ambulance used to transport have been seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The ambulance driver and two accomplices have been arrested. 

Methamphetamine tablets, commonly known as “Yaba”, is a highly addictive synthetic stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Illicitly manufactured methamphetamine tablets are trafficked from Myanmar and are known to cause severe physical and psychological harm, including addiction, aggression, paranoia and long-term neurological damage. Owing to its high abuse potential, methamphetamine, a psychotropic substance is regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985, and remains a major focus area for narcotics enforcement agencies worldwide.

During the intervening night of 5th and 6th August 2026, in another intelligence-led operation, officers of DRI, assisted by Assam Rifles conducted searches at a godown in Badarpur, Karimganj district, Assam. The operation resulted in the recovery of around 11 MTs foreign-origin poppy seeds concealed inside HDPE bags bearing markings of commercial tea consignments, carton packages and loose stock scattered across the premises. Preliminary investigation indicated that the goods had been smuggled into India through the porous Indo-Myanmar border for onward distribution to various parts of the country. The poppy seeds, valued at approximately Rs.1.67 crore, has been seized under the Customs Act, 1962.

Poppy seeds are widely used as a food ingredient and spice in several cuisines; however, their import into India is subject to stringent regulatory controls. Under India’s Foreign Trade Policy, poppy seeds can be imported only from designated countries and through a registration mechanism administered by the Central Bureau of Narcotics. These safeguards are intended to ensure traceability and prevent misuse of illicitly cultivated produce entering legitimate supply chains. Smuggling of unregulated foreign-origin poppy seeds not only circumvents these controls but also adversely impacts lawful trade and regulatory oversight.

Earlier, on 05.08.2026, officers of DRI intercepted a consignment from a Train No. 22411 at Rangia Railway Station and recovered 120 bags containing 10 MT of foreign-origin areca nuts from the parcel van of the train. Preliminary investigation revealed that the consignment had been smuggled into India from Myanmar and was being transported to markets outside the North-East region. The seized areca nuts, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore, have been seized under the Customs Act, 1962.

Areca nut, commonly known as supari, is one of the most frequently smuggled commodities across India’s North-Eastern borders. Large-scale smuggling of foreign-origin areca nuts causes significant loss of government revenue and adversely affects the livelihoods of domestic growers. The illicit trade in areca nuts has emerged as a recurring enforcement concern due to its links with organised smuggling networks operating in border areas.

DRI seized 364 metric tonnes (MT) of banned dry dates, valued at ₹3 crore, which had been imported from Pakistan

DRI intercepts 13 containers carrying dry dates imported at Kandla Port with misdeclaration of origin from UAE, but consignment was Pakistan origin

India has prohibited imports of mechandise originating from Pakistan

In a significant crackdown on attempts to circumvent India’s prohibition on imports originating from Pakistan, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a case involving the clandestine routing and mis-declaration of Pakistan-origin goods through third countries. The operations resulted in the seizure of 364 MT of Pakistan-origin dry dates valued at Rs. 3 crore.

In an intelligence led operation, officers of DRI intercepted 13 containers carrying 364 MT of dry dates, valued at approximately Rs. 3 crore, imported at Kandla Port. Investigation revealed that the goods, though declared as originating from the UAE, were in fact of Pakistan origin.

The enquiries established that the goods were first transported from Pakistan to Dubai and subsequently shifted to another set of containers before being exported to India. The importers allegedly suppressed material facts and mis-declared the country of origin in an attempt to evade the prohibition on import of Pakistan-origin goods. Accordingly, the entire consignment has been seized under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

Last week, the officers of DRI had uncovered an attempt to import around 14 MTs of Pakistan-origin Guggul resin valued at Rs. 1.4 crore approx. through misdeclaration of description and country of origin at Tuticorin port. The consignment, had been falsely declared as natural resin originating from Somalia and routed through Dubai.

Guggul resin (Commiphora resin), a species endemic to the arid regions of India and Pakistan is listed in CITES Appendix II and is categorised as Critically Endangered in the IUCN Red list. Investigation established that the consignment was Guggul resin and was of Pakistan origin and had been trans-shipped using forged documentation.  Two persons involved in the conspiracy were also arrested.

As per the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, amended vide DGFT Notification No. 06/2025-26 dated 02.05.2025, the direct or indirect import or transit of all goods originating in or exported from Pakistan stands prohibited with effect from 02.05.2025. The imports in both cases were found to be in contravention of the said prohibition.

These successful operations highlight DRI’s continued efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle organized networks engaged in smuggling, Customs frauds and other forms of illicit transnational trade.

The DRI busted an illegal drug manufacturing unit and arrested two people in Maharashtra’s Satara district

Satara: Searches yielded 1 kg (approx) finished Alprazolam, more than 15 kg Alprazolam in intermediary form, and 3.75 kg (approx) of Diazepam; besides recovery of 400 litres (approx) of various raw materials and reaction mixtures

Continuing its sustained crackdown on illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) unearthed a clandestine manufacturing facility engaged in the illegal production of psychotropic substances in Satara district, Maharashtra. The operation resulted in the seizure of two psychotropic substances in finished and intermediary forms, approximately 400 litres of raw materials used in their manufacture, and the arrest of two persons.

On 01.08.26, in an intelligence led operation, officers of DRI busted an illegal manufacturing facility in Satara district in Maharashtra, where Alprazolam and Diazepam, both listed as psychotropic substances under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985, were being clandestinely manufactured for illicit trafficking. The manufacturer was also apprehended at the premises.

Searches at the premises resulted in the recovery of approximately 1 kg of finished Alprazolam, more than 15 kg of Alprazolam in intermediary form, and approx. 3.75 kg of Diazepam. Officers also recovered approximately 400 litres of various raw materials and reaction mixtures used in their illicit manufacture. The illicit goods were seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

In a swift follow-up operation, DRI officers apprehended the intended buyer from Pune and unearthed evidence indicating the proposed illicit transaction for further trafficking of the psychotropic substances.

Alprazolam and Diazepam are prescription psychotropic medicines belonging to the benzodiazepine class and are commonly used under medical supervision for the treatment of anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, seizures and certain other neurological conditions. Owing to their sedative and dependence-forming properties, these substances are regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985. Their illicit manufacture, diversion and trafficking pose a significant public health concern, as abuse of these substances can lead to addiction, impaired cognitive functions and serious health complications.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused persons were involved in the illegal production and trafficking of drugs on previous occasions also. Both the accused persons have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

DRI’s Major Cocaine Bust at IGI Airport: 7.56 kg Seized from Passenger Arriving from Dubai

DRI Seizes 7.56 kg of Cocaine Worth Rs. 75.6 Crore at IGI Airport from Passenger Arriving from Dubai

In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted an Indian national arriving from Dubai at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport on April 14, 2024, in New Delhi.

During a meticulous inspection of the passenger’s luggage, officials discovered five empty handbags. Upon further examination, 10 packets containing a white powder, weighing a total of 7.56 kg and valued at approximately Rs. 75.6 crore, were found hidden within the inner layers of these bags. Subsequent tests confirmed that the substance was cocaine.

The individual has been taken into custody under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The DRI is continuing its investigation to trace the origin of the drugs and identify any potential smuggling networks involved in this operation.