DRI busts major methamphetamine smuggling syndicate in North-East, seizes 231 kg of drugs
According to the DRI, officers acted on specific intelligence on Tuesday (September 15) and intercepted four suspected trucks at multiple locations in Assam and Tripura
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major methamphetamine smuggling syndicate operating in the North-East region, seizing 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets and arresting three people in a coordinated intelligence-led operation across Assam and Tripura.
The seizure, described by the agency as one of the biggest methamphetamine recoveries in the North-East, has an estimated illicit street value running into several hundred crore rupees. Four trucks allegedly used to transport the contraband have also been seized.
Officers act on specific intelligence
According to the DRI, officers acted on specific intelligence on Tuesday (September 15) and intercepted four suspected trucks at multiple locations in Assam and Tripura.
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In the first operation at Ramnathpur, Assam, around 100 km from Silchar, DRI officers, assisted by the 38 Battalion of Assam Rifles, intercepted a truck suspected of carrying narcotics.
A search uncovered 275 packets containing 55 kg of pinkish-orangish tablets concealed inside the roof of the driver's cabin. A second truck carrying a similar consignment was subsequently located nearby. Although its driver and handyman were absent, a detailed search led to the recovery of another 54.2 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets packed in 271 packets.
The two seizures in Assam together accounted for 109.2 kg of suspected methamphetamine. One person was arrested, and both vehicles were seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Methamphetamine tablets concealed in driver's cabin
Simultaneously, DRI officers intercepted a goods carrier near Teliamura in Tripura, approximately 45 km from Agartala. The vehicle was carrying a declared consignment of cement and was travelling from Khowai towards Agartala. A search revealed 295 plastic packets containing 72.6 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets, concealed in the roof of the driver's cabin. The driver was arrested and the vehicle and contraband were seized.
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Further intelligence developed during the operation led officers to another truck allegedly belonging to the same syndicate. The vehicle was intercepted near Panisagar in Tripura, where 50 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets were recovered from inside the vehicle. The driver was arrested.
The DRI said the coordinated operation resulted in the recovery of 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets and the arrest of three individuals.
The latest action follows two intelligence-led operations conducted by the DRI near Silchar and Mizoram in August, during which the agency seized another 76 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets concealed inside vehicles.