The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its intelligence-driven campaign against illegal narcotics trafficking, conducting eight major operations across different parts of the country over the past fortnight. The operations resulted in the seizure of nearly 740 kg of cannabis, including conventional ganja and high-grade hydroponic cannabis, along with charas, and the arrest of 13 people under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
According to the DRI, the seizures comprised approximately 709.6 kg of cannabis (ganja), 24.5 kg of high-grade hydroponic cannabis and 5 kg of charas. The enforcement actions covered road, railway and air routes, highlighting the agency’s focus on identifying different methods used by trafficking networks to transport prohibited substances.
375.95 Kg Ganja Seized Near Raipur
In one of the latest operations, conducted on September 8, 2026, DRI officers intercepted two trucks travelling from Visakhapatnam near Old Dhamtari Road in Raipur. A detailed inspection of the vehicles led to the discovery of 61 packets suspected to contain ganja.
The packets had been concealed inside 10 sacks placed in the loading sections of the trucks. Field tests confirmed the presence of cannabis. Authorities seized 375.95 kg of cannabis along with both vehicles under the NDPS Act. Four people were arrested in connection with the seizure.
The action followed another major seizure near Raipur on August 26, when DRI officers recovered around 124 kg of cannabis hidden inside a truck. The vehicle was seized and one person was arrested.
Truck Carrying 140.5 Kg Ganja Intercepted Near Patna
In another operation conducted between September 5 and 6, DRI personnel acted on specific intelligence and intercepted a truck following a chase on the Aurangabad–Patna Highway near Patna.
During the operation, the enforcement team faced resistance and officers were attacked, leaving one officer injured. The truck driver, meanwhile, managed to flee from the scene.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a specially constructed cavity behind the driver’s cabin. Officials recovered 90 packets containing ganja from the concealed compartment. Field testing confirmed the substance as cannabis, leading to the seizure of 140.5 kg of ganja and the truck under the NDPS Act.
Cannabis Recovered From Concealed Vehicle Compartments
On September 1 and 2, DRI officers intercepted a suspected vehicle near Ludhiana in Punjab. A detailed search revealed 67 packets containing approximately 69 kg of cannabis.
The packets had been hidden in specially designed cavities beneath the floor of the vehicle, apparently created to evade detection during transportation. The contraband and vehicle were seized, while two people were arrested under the NDPS Act.
Five Kg Charas Smuggled From Nepal
A separate operation at Gorakhpur Railway Station on September 3 resulted in the recovery of approximately 5 kg of charas, also known as hashish.
Acting on intelligence, DRI officers intercepted three passengers travelling in the general compartment of the Amarnath Express. During personal searches, officers found the contraband concealed in knee-cap-like coverings wrapped around the thighs of two passengers and hidden beneath their sarees.
The investigation indicated that the charas had been smuggled from Nepal. The recovered substance was seized and all three individuals were arrested under the NDPS Act.
Hydroponic Cannabis Seized at Airports
The DRI also carried out three separate operations at Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports during the last 15 days. The operations involved passengers arriving from Hanoi in Vietnam and Bangkok in Thailand.
Collectively, the airport actions led to the seizure of around 24.6 kg of high-potency cannabis. Three individuals were arrested in these cases under the NDPS Act.
Multi-Route Crackdown on Narcotics Networks
The latest operations demonstrate the DRI’s continued efforts to disrupt organised narcotics trafficking through multiple transportation channels. Traffickers have increasingly relied on concealed vehicle compartments, secret cavities and passenger baggage to move illegal substances.
By targeting road, rail and international air routes through intelligence-led interventions, the DRI is seeking to identify trafficking networks and prevent illicit narcotics from reaching their intended destinations. The seizures also underline the agency’s continued enforcement of the NDPS Act, 1985, against individuals involved in the transportation and smuggling of prohibited drugs.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
