DRI Cracks Down On Drug Trafficking Network, Seizes 547 Grams Of Cocaine And Methaqualone Worth ₹2.74 Crore; 2 Foreign Nationals Arrested

The Mumbai-based Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has taken significant action against a drug trafficking network, seizing 547 grams of cocaine and methaqualone, valued at around Rs 2.74 crore. Two foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the alleged operation. The DRI stated that this operation was carried out following intelligence received on August 28 about a Kenyan woman traveling by bus from Indore to Mumbai with a consignment of narcotic drugs.

The information suggested that she was delivering the drugs to a Nigerian national in Mumbai. DRI officers used this intel to set up surveillance, leading to the interception of the Kenyan woman in Mira Road. A Nigerian man, who had traveled to receive the drug shipment, was also apprehended. Upon searching the Kenyan woman's bag, officers discovered two packets marked "LV", which contained a white crystalline substance weighing 547 grams in total.

Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of cocaine and methaqualone in the substance, estimating its value in the illicit market at Rs 2.74 crore. The drugs were seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and both foreign nationals were arrested under the same legislation. The DRI is now investigating the origins of the drugs, their intended destination, and the roles of the two arrested individuals in the alleged trafficking operation.

The agency is also exploring whether other individuals were involved in transporting, supplying, or receiving the consignment. This seizure is part of the DRI's intelligence-driven efforts to combat the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.