DRI seizes 6.642 kg amphetamine in Bhopal; drug trafficker arrested
PIB National (English) · Published 10 November 2026 · Last updated
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized 6.642 kg of amphetamine valued at ₹5.32 crore near Bhopal, arresting a repeat offender and exposing domestic illicit synthetic drug distribution corridors.
Key points
- Officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted a bus passenger travelling from Delhi to Bhopal on 5 November 2026.
- The interception was executed at Sonkatch Toll Plaza in an adjoining district near Bhopal based on specific intelligence inputs.
- A search of the suspect's light brown duffle bag yielded three bright silver-coloured plastic packets concealing a crystalline white substance.
- The recovered consignment weighed 6.642 kg and was identified as amphetamine using an NDPS Field Test Kit.
- The seized synthetic contraband carries an estimated market value of ₹5.32 crore in the international illicit market.
- The entire consignment was confiscated and the accused was arrested under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Subsequent investigation established that the arrested individual was already out on bail in a separate NDPS case registered by the Bengaluru Police.
- The DRI enforcement action forms part of intelligence-led interdictions supporting the Union Government's Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
Background
- On 5 November 2026, DRI intercepted an interstate bus at Sonkatch Toll Plaza to seize 6.642 kg of amphetamine destined for Bhopal.
- The Ministry of Finance formally notified the seizure alongside multi-state operations against contraband, wildlife parts, and illicit currency on 10 November 2026.
- The statutory control over narcotics and psychotropic chemicals in India traces back to the enactment of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- Amphetamine and related central nervous system stimulants were categorized under the regulatory schedules of the NDPS Act to prevent non-medical diversion.
- The Union Government launched the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in August 2020 to execute a coordinated nationwide strategy against substance abuse and trafficking networks.
Prelims facts and Mains angle for this issue are in the full SWAदेSH note.
Original report: PIB National (English)