Continuing its sustained crackdown on transnational trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has foiled a major attempt to illegally export a significant quantity of Methamphetamine from India to Saudi Arabia.  

In an intelligence-led operation conducted by DRI during 16–17.08.2026, around 56 kg Methamphetamine in powdery form was recovered from an export consignment at the Nava Sheva Port. The contraband drug had been ingeniously mixed with maize in one of the 351 bags contained in this consignment. The recovered Methamphetamine and was seized, under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Swift investigation led to the identification of the exporter and the transporter/freight forwarder involved in the operation. Investigation revealed that the transporter/freight forwarder was coordinating with an overseas buyer for transportation and customs clearance of the export consignment. Based on their respective roles in the attempted trafficking, both persons were arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.                                                                              

The method of concealment — mixing a large quantity of Methamphetamine inextricably with maize and disguising the consignment as an ordinary agricultural commodity — represents a distinctive modus operandi intended to evade routine examination and detection during export.

Methamphetamine is a highly potent synthetic psychostimulant with a high potential for abuse and dependence. Illicit use can cause severe physical and psychological effects, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, agitation, paranoia, psychosis and other serious health complications; prolonged or repeated use can result in drug dependence and significant impairment of health and functioning.

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SR/KMN