In a coordinated crackdown on drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized a total of 15.59 kilograms of contraband drugs, including amphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, during three separate operations held on September 29 and 30, 2026. Five suspects were arrested in connection with these incidents, according to an official release from the Ministry of Finance on October 4, 2026 [1].

The first operation unfolded on September 30 at the Ujjain–Dewas Toll Plaza in Madhya Pradesh. The DRI collaborated with the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) to intercept a Mahindra Thar vehicle suspected of smuggling amphetamine. The driver attempted to evade capture, resulting in a high-speed chase lasting approximately 90 minutes before the vehicle was successfully brought to a stop near Bicholi Mardana in Indore. Authorities recovered 21 packets from the spare tire, which collectively contained 7.116 kilograms of amphetamine [1].

On September 29, 2026, DRI officials at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad arrested an Indian passenger arriving from Doha after acting on intelligence concerning cocaine smuggling. Upon inspection, authorities discovered seven unusually heavy chocolate tubes in the passenger's cabin baggage. Further examination revealed the presence of 207 light-yellow capsules filled with cocaine, leading to a total seizure of 4.9 kilograms of the drug [1].

The third operation occurred on the same day in the vicinity of Phillaur, near Jalandhar, Punjab. In this case, DRI agents conducted surveillance near the Sutlej River bridge and identified a suspect in a rental car-pooling taxi. They discovered three packets containing a substance that tested positive for heroin, with a total weight of 3.574 kilograms recovered from the suspect's blue backpack [1].

An independent media report published on October 4 corroborated the DRI's statement, detailing the exact quantities of drugs seized in each operation: 7.116 kilograms of amphetamine in Madhya Pradesh, 4.9 kilograms of cocaine in Hyderabad, and 3.574 kilograms of heroin in Jalandhar. The report confirmed that five individuals were arrested across the three operations, aligning closely with the information released by the government [2].

These seizures illustrate the ongoing efforts by Indian authorities to combat drug trafficking and hold accountable those involved in illicit activities. The operations highlight the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and the collaboration between various government agencies in addressing the drug menace in the country [1].

While the events were reported on October 4, it is important to note that the operations occurred on September 29 and 30, 2026. The prompt public announcement by the Ministry of Finance underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the government treats drug-related offenses [1].

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Researched and edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.