New Delhi, Aug 31: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized more than 18 kg of synthetic drugs, including Amphetamine and MDMA, in two separate intelligence-led operations in Bengaluru and Pune, leading to the arrest of four persons under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Finance, the seizures were made on August 25 as part of the DRI’s intensified crackdown on trafficking of synthetic drugs across the country.
14.9 Kg Amphetamine Seized at Bengaluru Railway Station
In the first operation, DRI officers intercepted an Indian woman passenger at KSR Bengaluru Railway Station. She was travelling by train from New Delhi to Bengaluru and was suspected of carrying a substantial quantity of contraband.
A detailed examination of her baggage led to the recovery of seven packets containing a crystalline substance weighing approximately 14.9 kg.
Preliminary testing using a field drug detection kit indicated the presence of Amphetamine. The psychotropic substance, along with the packing and concealment material, was seized under provisions of the NDPS Act.
Based on information gathered during the proceedings, DRI officers subsequently carried out a follow-up operation at the designated delivery location.
A person who allegedly arrived to receive the baggage from the carrier was intercepted. Further action led officials to another person who had allegedly come to receive the contraband from the first receiver.
According to the government statement, all three persons involved in the transportation and attempted receipt of the contraband were arrested under the NDPS Act.
Amphetamine, 878 Grams MDMA Tablets Recovered in Pune
In a separate and unrelated operation on the same day, DRI officers intercepted another Indian woman passenger at Pune Junction railway station.
The woman was travelling by train from Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station in Delhi via Pune.
During examination of her baggage, officials recovered a white/yellow-coloured crystalline substance purported to be Amphetamine, weighing approximately 2.53 kg, along with tablets purported to be 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) weighing 878 grams gross.
The contraband was seized under the NDPS Act and the passenger was arrested.
Around 150 Kg Synthetic Drugs Interdicted in Fortnight
The latest seizures are part of the DRI’s intensified campaign against synthetic drugs and trafficking networks operating across the country.
The agency said it has intercepted around 150 kg of Amphetamine-Type Stimulant (ATS) drugs in five operations within a fortnight.
These operations include the seizure of 76 kg of Methamphetamine tablets in two operations along India’s north-eastern frontier.
In another major operation, DRI seized 55.86 kg of Methamphetamine that had allegedly been concealed by mixing it with maize/corn in an export consignment destined for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The DRI said the continuing operations are aimed at interdicting synthetic drugs and dismantling trafficking networks operating across the country.
