The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, carrying out a series of intelligence-led operations that resulted in the seizure of more than 845 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and the arrest of 15 persons under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).
The seizures included substantial quantities of ganja/cannabis, charas/hashish, cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants. The operations were conducted at railway stations, highways, airports and other locations, highlighting the efforts of enforcement agencies to intercept narcotic consignments at different stages of their movement.
BUY NOW: 100+ Judgements On Customs Classification
Around 6 Kg Charas Seized from Two Passengers at Gorakhpur
In one of the operations, DRI officers acted on specific intelligence concerning the smuggling of charas/hashish from Nepal.
On September 20, 2026, two female passengers travelling on the Jan Nayak Express were intercepted at Gorakhpur Railway Station. During their personal search, DRI officers recovered approximately 6 kg of charas/hashish.
According to the DRI, the contraband had been concealed in knee caps wrapped around the passengers’ thighs and hidden underneath their sarees. The recovered narcotic substance was seized and both passengers were arrested under the NDPS Act.
Over 752 Kg Ganja Recovered from Container Truck in Bihar
In another major operation, DRI officers intercepted a container truck near Jindapur Toll Plaza, Bodh Gaya, on September 17, 2026, following receipt of specific intelligence.
A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of approximately 752.3 kg of ganja/cannabis, packed in 737 packets. The packets had allegedly been concealed beneath rice husk inside the vehicle.
The ganja, along with the container truck and rice husk used for concealment, was seized. The driver of the vehicle was arrested under the NDPS Act.
The seizure constitutes one of the largest individual recoveries in the series of operations announced by the DRI.
48.5 Kg Ganja Seized in Odisha
Another operation was conducted on September 11, 2026, in coordination with the Ghariyaband Forest Department.
DRI officers intercepted two persons at Mentri village in Odisha, who were allegedly proceeding to deliver narcotic substances. A search resulted in the recovery of approximately 48.5 kg of ganja, packed into 25 packets contained in three sacks.
The scooter allegedly being used for transportation was also seized. Both persons were arrested under the NDPS Act.
Hydroponic Cannabis Seized at Mumbai and Bengaluru Airports
Based on intelligence shared by the DRI, Customs authorities at Mumbai and Bengaluru international airports also intercepted four passengers arriving from Thailand and Vietnam.
The operations resulted in the seizure of approximately 28 kg of high-grade cannabis/hydroponic weed. The contraband was seized under the NDPS Act, and all four passengers were arrested.
The airport seizures indicate the continued use of international passenger routes for attempting to bring high-value cannabis consignments into India.
5.8 Kg Cocaine Recovered at IGI Airport
The DRI also intercepted an Indian passenger at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, in another intelligence-led operation conducted on September 15, 2026.
The passenger had arrived from Dubai via Doha. A detailed examination of his checked-in baggage resulted in the recovery of approximately 5.8 kg of white-coloured powder, packed in nine packets.
Field testing indicated that the substance was cocaine. The contraband was subsequently seized and the passenger was arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act.
Multiple Amphetamine Seizures Total Around 4.5 Kg
The DRI also carried out a series of operations targeting the trafficking of amphetamine-type stimulants. Collectively, these operations resulted in the seizure of approximately 4.5 kg of amphetamine-type substances, with five persons arrested.
493 Grams of Suspected Amphetamine/Ecstasy Seized in Mumbai
On September 16, 2026, DRI officers in Mumbai intercepted an Indian woman passenger travelling from Delhi.
During the operation, approximately 493 grams of pills were recovered. The pills had allegedly been concealed inside bottles bearing labels indicating that they contained baby powder.
Field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine/ecstasy. The suspected narcotic substances were seized and the passenger was arrested.
Amphetamine Seized at Calicut Airport
At Calicut Airport, DRI officers intercepted a passenger on September 9, 2026, and recovered approximately 1.9 kg of amphetamine from the passenger’s baggage.
A subsequent operation led to the arrest of the alleged receiver and organiser associated with the consignment. During the follow-up operation, officers recovered an additional 17 grams of amphetamine along with ₹3.45 lakh in cash from their possession and/or vehicle.
2 Kg Amphetamine Recovered from Passenger Travelling by Bus
In another operation on September 9, DRI officers at Indore intercepted a passenger travelling by bus from Delhi.
A search resulted in the recovery of approximately 2 kg of amphetamine, which had allegedly been concealed inside salwar suit sets. The contraband was seized and the person was arrested under the NDPS Act.
DRI Focuses on Multiple Modes of Drug Trafficking
The latest seizures demonstrate the varied methods allegedly being used to transport narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances across the country and through international entry points.
The consignments were detected in container trucks, railway travel, passenger baggage, two-wheelers and bus transportation, while enforcement agencies also detected attempts to conceal narcotics inside clothing, bottles and other materials.
The operations also involved coordination between the DRI and other enforcement authorities, including Customs and the forest department, reflecting a multi-agency approach to combating drug trafficking.
15 Persons Arrested Under NDPS Act
Across the operations covered in the latest enforcement action, the DRI and Customs authorities arrested a total of 15 persons under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
The seizures included more than 845 kg of contraband, comprising large quantities of cannabis/ganja and charas, along with cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants.
The DRI stated that the operations form part of its sustained efforts to disrupt organised drug-trafficking networks, identify consignments during different stages of transportation and counter increasingly sophisticated methods of concealing narcotic substances.
The agency’s latest action also highlights the importance of intelligence-led interception and coordination among enforcement agencies in detecting both domestic movement and international trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
Read More: Income Tax Portal Users Face Form 141 Filing Hurdle, Grievance Mechanism Yet to Reflect New Tax Act
