In a major development, a meticulously planned operation executed by the officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Chennai Zone has resulted in seizure of 36 kgs of Methamphetamine drug worth around Rs. 180 crores at Madurai Railway Station and Chennai Kondungaiyur dump yard.

Based on specific intelligence that a passenger travelling via Pothigai Express Train from Chennai to Madurai on 29.02.2024 would be carrying Narcotic (NDPS) substances, a meticulous plan was laid out to trap the said passenger at Madurai Railway Station. On 01.03.2024 morning when the train reached Madurai Railway station, an extensive surveillance was carried out and the said passenger was identified and intercepted with the help of RPF officials. On examination of his baggage, 15 packets weighing 30 kgs in total containing white coloured crystal substance was found which on testing was found to be Methamphetamine, a NDPS substance and was seized.

On his interrogation, he further revealed that some more Methamphetamine packets are kept at his home in Chennai. In a swift follow-up, his home was searched and it came to light that his wife had thrown away the narcotic packets in the dustbin and the garbage was already taken to Kondungaiyur dump yard. A DRI team then went to the dump yard and after extensive search in the garbage dump, recovered 3 packets weighing 6kgs in total containing white coloured crystal substance tested to be Methamphetamine which was seized. The International Market Value of the total seized narcotics substance is around Rs 180 crores.

From preliminary investigation, it was unearthed that he was carrying the said contraband item for further transportation to Sri Lanka via coastal route. Both the passenger and his wife have been detained and further investigation is under progress.

Methamphetamine, also known as “ice” or “crystal meth” is a highly addictive psychostimulant drug which exhibits powerful euphoric effects similar to those of cocaine leading to life threatening consequences. DRI has been at the forefront in the fight against drug menace in the country and recently had caught an Indonesian passenger at Chennai Airport carrying 2.79 kgs of cocaine worth Rs. 27.9 crores.

 

 

 

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