Banned Drug Worth Rs 5.6 Crore Seized by DRI at Delhi Airport
In a major anti-drug operation, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized nearly 7 kilograms of Amphetamine worth approximately Rs 5.6 crore at Delhi airport. The banned substance was allegedly being smuggled through passenger baggage and was discovered during a targeted search operation at Terminal 1.
According to officials, the operation was carried out after the DRI received specific intelligence inputs regarding the possible transportation of illegal drugs by a passenger. The passenger was scheduled to travel on an IndiGo flight from New Delhi to Bengaluru during the early hours of Sunday.
Acting on the intelligence, DRI officers closely monitored the passenger and conducted a detailed examination of the baggage. During the search, officials found seven transparent packets containing an off-white crystalline substance. The packets had been carefully concealed inside several ladies’ suits in an apparent attempt to avoid detection during security checks.
After recovering the suspicious material, officers conducted preliminary testing using the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) field test kit. The test confirmed that the substance was Amphetamine, a prohibited psychotropic drug under Indian law.
Authorities stated that the total weight of the seized substance was 6,980 grams, which is close to 7 kilograms. Based on current illegal market estimates, the value of the seized contraband is around Rs 5.6 crore, making it a significant drug seizure.
Amphetamine is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It can increase alertness, energy, and concentration, but its illegal use can lead to serious health risks, including addiction, mental health problems, heart complications, and other dangerous side effects. Because of these risks, the production, sale, possession, and transportation of Amphetamine are strictly regulated and prohibited without proper authorization.
The seizure highlights the continuing efforts of Indian enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking and illegal narcotics networks. Smugglers often use creative methods to hide drugs in luggage, clothing, electronic devices, and other everyday items in an attempt to evade detection. However, intelligence-based operations and advanced screening techniques have helped authorities intercept many such attempts.
Airport officials and law enforcement agencies have increased surveillance at major airports across the country due to concerns about the movement of illegal drugs through domestic and international travel routes. Regular inspections, intelligence sharing, and modern scanning technology play a key role in identifying suspicious activities.
Following the seizure, the passenger came under investigation, and officials began efforts to determine the source of the drugs and their intended destination. Authorities are also examining whether the case is linked to a larger drug trafficking network operating within or outside India.
The successful operation demonstrates the importance of intelligence-led enforcement and the vigilance of DRI officers in preventing the circulation of illegal narcotics. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to take further legal action under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
The seizure serves as another reminder of the ongoing challenge posed by drug trafficking and the need for strong enforcement measures to protect public safety and national security.
