New Delhi, Aug. 29: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized more than 18 kg of suspected synthetic narcotics, including amphetamine and MDMA, in two separate intelligence-led operations in Bengaluru and Pune, leading to the arrest of four people.
The operations, carried out on August 25, are part of an intensified nationwide crackdown on the trafficking of synthetic drugs and the networks involved in their movement and distribution.
In the Bengaluru operation, DRI officers intercepted an Indian woman at KSR Bengaluru railway station after receiving intelligence that she was allegedly transporting a substantial quantity of prohibited substances while travelling from New Delhi.
A search of her luggage led to the recovery of seven packets containing approximately 14.9 kg of a crystalline substance. Preliminary testing using a field drug detection kit indicated the possible presence of amphetamine.Further action based on information gathered during the investigation led officers to the planned delivery location.
Two men who allegedly arrived at different stages to receive the consignment were intercepted. The woman and the two suspected recipients were subsequently arrested under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
In a separate operation on the same day, DRI officials intercepted another Indian woman at Pune Junction railway station. She was travelling from Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station towards Pune.A detailed examination of her belongings resulted in the recovery of about 2.53 kg of a white and yellow crystalline substance suspected to be amphetamine.
Officials also recovered tablets weighing approximately 878 grams, suspected to contain 3,4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as MDMA.
The seized material was taken into custody under the provisions of the NDPS Act, and the passenger was arrested.The latest seizures bring the total quantity of suspected amphetamine and MDMA recovered in the two operations to more than 18 kg.
According to the DRI, the action forms part of its continuing efforts to identify and disrupt organised networks involved in the trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants and other synthetic narcotics.The agency said it had seized around 150 kg of amphetamine-type stimulants in five operations over the past two weeks.
These included approximately 76 kg of methamphetamine tablets recovered in two operations along India’s northeastern border.
In another case, authorities detected about 55.86 kg of methamphetamine allegedly concealed within a consignment of maize or corn that was being prepared for export to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The recent operations highlight the growing focus of enforcement agencies on intercepting synthetic narcotics and dismantling supply chains operating across different regions of the country.Investigations into the latest seizures are continuing.
