NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on the drugs manufacturing and distribution network operating across the National Capital Region, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted the manufacturing hub in a three-day coordinated operation starting from October 21 and arrested 26 foreign nationals.
The agency sleuths faced a hostile situation during the three days of coordinated raids and arrests and had sought help from the Delhi police. Abhai Kumar Srivastav, Director General of DRI, was personally monitoring the operations. On Thursday evening, after the operation was over, he held a high-level meeting with all the officials involved and thanked the local police for their support in the meeting.
The intelligence agency, in a statement, said, “Based on specific intelligence... officers raided a clandestine facility for manufacturing Methamphetamine located at an isolated farm premise near high-rise residential buildings in Greater Noida. The search resulted in the seizure of 11.40 kg Amphetamine and 110.923 kg of precursor chemicals used for its manufacture.”
Simultaneously, the main handler of the syndicate was apprehended from his residence in Gurugram, and 1.33 kg of Amphetamine was recovered from his possession. In a swift follow-up action, DRI officers identified another premises suspected to be used for storing and distribution of the contraband in West Delhi.
The premises were located in a densely populated and congested area, surrounded by narrow lanes, posing considerable logistical and security challenges. During the operation, the officers encountered a large number of persons who attempted to obstruct official action. “Despite the presence of hostile elements and the risk of evidence destruction, the DRI team, with assistance from Delhi Police, displaying restraint and tactical acumen, successfully secured the premises and completed the search,” the agency said.
The search led to multiple arrests and recovery of 7.79 kg of Cocaine, 1.87 kg of Heroin, 3.54 kg of Amphetamine, 2 kg of Ganja, 0.15 kg of Methaqualone, along with 4.50 kg precursor chemicals used for the manufacture of narcotic substances, and Rs 37 lakh in cash, suspected to be proceeds of drug trafficking.
In total, 16.27 kg of Amphetamine, 7.9 kg of Cocaine, 1.8 kg of Heroin, 2.13 kg of Ganja, and 115.42 kg precursor chemicals, valued at approximately Rs 108.81 crore in the illicit international market, have been seized during the course of the operation. In all, 26 foreign nationals have been arrested during the operation.
"This complex operation, executed across multiple jurisdictions and under challenging field conditions, exemplifies DRI’s commitment to intelligence-led enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and the unwavering resolve to combat the threat of narcotics smuggling and synthetic drug manufacture," the agency said.
