Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes over seven kg amphetamine and three kg cocaine as it intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking in country; three arrested
Intelligence-led interceptions at Bengaluru & Delhi airports and near Nagpur expose attempts to traffic contraband concealed in passenger baggage
Posted On:
19 OCT 2026 4:23PM by PIB Delhi
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its crackdown on narcotics trafficking through coordinated, intelligence-led operations, resulting in the seizure of around 7.1 kg amphetamine in two operations and around 3.1 kg of cocaine in a third operation, leading to the arrest of three persons. The seizures were made at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru; near Nagpur; and Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a passenger arriving at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, from Delhi on 14th October 2026. Examination of the passenger’s baggage led to the recovery of 5.166 kg amphetamine. The recovered substance was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and passenger was arrested.
Two days later, in another intelligence-led operation, officers of DRI intercepted an Indian national travelling by bus from Delhi to Hyderabad near Khapa Phata, Saoner, at outskirts of Nagpur. Examination of his backpack revealed a white crystalline substance concealed inside a new ladies’ suit.
As the backpack appeared unusually heavy, officers examined its inner lining and discovered another concealed packet containing a similar substance. Field testing yielded a positive result for amphetamine. In total, 1.97 kg amphetamine, was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, 1985. The passenger was arrested.
In a separate operation on 15/16.10.26, acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian passenger who had arrived at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport, New Delhi, from Ghana. A systematic examination of his baggage led to the recovery of six transparent packets containing white powder, weighing 3.134 kg in total. Field testing confirmed a positive result for cocaine. The substance was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the passenger was arrested.
These operations underscore DRI’s sustained efforts to disrupt narcotics supply chains, detect ingenious concealment methods and prevent the movement of dangerous narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through the country’s air and road networks.
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KT/KMN
(Release ID: 2325126)
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