Significant quantities of ganja, charas, cocaine and amphetamine seized; 15 persons arrested

Continuing its sustained crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has effected significant seizures of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in multiple intelligence-led operations across the country. Over 845 kg contraband, including ganja/cannabis, charas, Amphetamine has been seized and 15 persons have been arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Seizure of charas and cannabis

On 20.09.2026, based on specific intelligence regarding smuggling of Charas/Hashish from Nepal, DRI officers intercepted two female passengers travelling by Jan Nayak Express at Gorakhpur Railway Station. Their personal search resulted in the recovery of around 6 kg of Charas/Hashish, concealed in knee caps wrapped around their thighs and hidden under their sarees. The contraband was seized and both passengers were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

In addition, DRI officers also seized around 801 kg cannabis in two significant operations. On 17.09.2026, in an intelligence led operation, DRI officers intercepted a container truck near Jindapur Toll Plaza, Bodh Gaya. Search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of around 752.3 kg ganja/cannabis, packed in 737 packets and concealed in rice husk. The contraband, vehicle and rice husk were seized and the driver was arrested.

On 11.09.2026, DRI, in coordination with the Ghariyaband Forest Department, intercepted two persons at Mentri village in Odisha, who were allegedly proceeding to deliver narcotic drugs.  Search resulted in the recovery of around 48.5 kg of Ganja, packed in 25 packets in 3 sacks along with the scooter used for transportation. The contraband and vehicle were seized and both persons were arrested.

In addition, based on intelligence shared by DRI, Customs authorities at Mumbai and Bengaluru international airports seized approximately 28 kg high-grade cannabis/hydroponic weed from four passengers arriving from Thailand and Vietnam. The contraband was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and all four passengers were arrested.

Seizure of cocaine

In another major intelligence led operation at IGI Airport, New Delhi, on 15.09.2026, DRI officers intercepted an Indian passenger arriving from Dubai via Doha. Detailed examination of his checked-in baggage resulted in the recovery of around 5.8 kg white-coloured powder packed in nine packets, which tested positive for Cocaine during field testing. The contraband was seized and the passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Seizure of Amphetamine

In series of operations, DRI intercepted multiple consignments of Amphetamine and seized cumulativelyaround 4.5 kgs of Amphetamine type stimulants and a total of five persons were arrested in these three operations.

At Mumbai, on 16.09.2026, an Indian woman passenger travelling from Delhi was intercepted and around 493 grams pills concealed inside bottles marked as Baby Powder were recovered; the pills tested positive for Amphetamine/Ecstasy. The suspected pills were seized and the passenger was arrested.

At Calicut Airport, on 09.09.2026, around 1.9 kg of Amphetamine was recovered from a passenger's baggage and a subsequent operation resulted in the arrest of the receiver and organiser, with an additional 17 grams Amphetamine and Rs. 3.45 lakh in cash recovered from their possession/vehicle.

At Indore, on the same date, DRI officers intercepted a passenger travelling by bus from Delhi and recovered around 2 kg Amphetamine, concealed inside salwar suit sets. The contraband was seized and person was arrested.

These operations underscore DRI's continued focus on disrupting organised drug-trafficking networks, intercepting narcotic consignments at different stages of their movement and detecting innovative methods of concealment.

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SR/KMN