The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), functioning under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), has busted a major interstate MDMA trafficking operation in Rajasthan. Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI intercepted a truck on the KotputliāKuchaman State Highway near the Didwana-Kuchaman area and seized 270.30 kilograms of MDMA, with an estimated market value of over ā¹81 crore.
The operation was carried out between the intervening night of January 11 and 12, when the DRI team set up a blockade near a toll checkpoint. The truck, bearing a Maharashtra registration number, was suspected to be transporting a large consignment of synthetic drugs to Madhya Pradesh. After stopping the vehicle, officers conducted a thorough search and uncovered nine sacks containing MDMA concealed among bags of chicken feed.
Six persons, including the truck driver, the helper, and escorting smugglers accompanying the consignment, were arrested on the spot. The accused were produced before a court in Sikar on Tuesday, which granted the DRI custodial remand for further investigation. The truck used for transportation has also been seized.
Link to Haryana Drug Manufacturing Unit
According to officials, the seizure is part of a larger crackdown on an organised drug network. Nearly two months ago, the DRI received intelligence about an illegal MDMA manufacturing unit operating in Haryana. After sustained surveillance and collection of technical inputs, the agency raided the factory three days prior to the Rajasthan interception, arresting two individuals from the site.
During interrogation, the accused disclosed details of an extensive supply chain involving the production and transportation of synthetic drugs across multiple states. They revealed that a consignment of over 270 kg of MDMA was being transported by truck to Madhya Pradesh, prompting the DRI to closely track the vehicle and ultimately intercept it in Rajasthan.
Rising Drug Trafficking Cases in Rajasthan
Law enforcement agencies have noted a worrying surge in drug-related cases across Rajasthan in recent months. Just last month, an MD drug manufacturing unit was unearthed in the Dhanuri police station area of Jhunjhunu district. In separate operations, Maharashtra Police, Gujarat ATS, Jodhpur Rural Police, and Barmer Police have busted drug factories and arrested traffickers in Jhunjhunu, Jodhpur, Barmer, and surrounding regions. Large quantities of chemicals, machinery, and raw materials used in the production of synthetic drugs were recovered during these raids.
About MDMA
MDMA, scientifically known as Methylene Dioxymethamphetamine, is a synthetic psychoactive drug that acts as a stimulant and hallucinogen. It is the primary component of ecstasy tablets and is also available in powder or crystal form, commonly referred to as āmandi.ā Unlike natural drugs such as marijuana or opium, MDMA is entirely laboratory-made.
The drug typically takes effect within 20 minutes to an hour after consumption and can intoxicate users for up to six hours. It stimulates the central nervous system by releasing high levels of dopamine, producing intense feelings of euphoria, excitement, and emotional openness. However, MDMA poses severe health risks, including dehydration, elevated blood pressure, anxiety, confusion, tooth decay, and in extreme cases, death.
Investigation Ongoing
Further investigation is underway to identify the masterminds behind the racket, trace financial transactions, and uncover additional links in the interstate drug network. The DRI has indicated that more arrests and seizures are likely as the probe progresses.
The seizure underscores the growing challenge posed by synthetic drug trafficking in the region and the intensified efforts by central and state agencies to curb the menace.
