DRI Seizes 5.75 kg Crystal Meth from Train Passenger
The DRI intercepted a passenger on a Delhi-Bengaluru train, seizing 5.75 kg of suspected methamphetamine. One person has been arrested.
In a major blow to drug trafficking networks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intercepted a massive shipment of synthetic drugs being transported via rail. During an intelligence-led operation, officials seized approximately 5.75 kg of a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine, also known as "Crystal Meth" or "Ice."
Major Bust on Delhi-Bengaluru Route
The operation was carried out by the DRI's Mangalore Regional Unit. Acting on specific intelligence, officers intercepted an Indian national traveling on a train from Delhi to Bengaluru. Upon conducting a thorough examination of the passenger's trolley bag, officials discovered three packets containing the highly addictive substance.
The recovery of 5.753 kg of the substance is significant, as it far exceeds the "commercial quantity" threshold defined under Indian law. Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the possession of such a large quantity carries severe penalties, including rigorous imprisonment ranging from 10 to 20 years and heavy fines.
The Danger of Crystal Meth
Methamphetamine is a potent synthetic psychostimulant that targets the central nervous system. Medical experts warn that the drug is highly addictive and can lead to devastating physical and mental health consequences for users. In India, the substance is strictly regulated, and any unauthorized transport or sale is a major criminal offense.
Following the seizure, the accused was arrested and has since been remanded to judicial custody by a competent NDPS Court.
DRI Intensifies Crackdown on Gold Smuggling
In addition to the narcotics bust, the DRI has been aggressively targeting cross-border smuggling syndicates. In recent operations across the eastern region, the agency successfully intercepted significant quantities of gold smuggled from Bangladesh.
High-Value Gold Seizures
In two separate intelligence-led operations on October 8 and 9, the DRI seized approximately 7.8 kg of foreign-origin gold, with an estimated value exceeding Rs. 11.50 crore. The seizures highlighted the extensive use of road and railway networks to move contraband from border regions toward major hubs like Kolkata.
- Dankuni Toll Plaza Interception: DRI officers intercepted a four-wheeler traveling from Banpur, near the Bangladesh border, toward Kolkata. The search yielded 50 gold bars weighing roughly 6.8 kg, valued at approximately Rs. 10 crore. Among those arrested was the suspected kingpin of the Banpur border syndicate.
- Railway Station Busts: In West Bengal, DRI teams intercepted passengers at Malda Town and New Jalpaiguri Railway Stations. This resulted in the recovery of about 1 kg of gold, valued at Rs. 1.5 crore, consisting of bangles and gold bars.
Investigations suggest that the gold was smuggled across the Indo-Bangladesh border through Tripura, utilizing the North-East's railway corridors to reach major markets.