Home India Ministry of Finance DRI intensifies anti-narcotics drive in Kerala under Operati...
Date: 2026-05-30 Category: Press Release State: Union Government Country: India

DRI intensifies anti-narcotics drive in Kerala under Operation Chakravyuh; 24 kg narcotic contraband seized; 5 arrested

Issued by Ministry of Finance · Not Applicable

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Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

**Summary of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Anti-Narcotics Operations** On May 30, 2026, the Cochin Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reported a significant intensification of its anti-narcotics drive in Kerala under **Operation Chakravyuh**. The operation resulted in the seizure of over **24 kg** of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including methaqualone, methamphetamine, and hashish oil. **Key Operational Details:** * **Locations:** Coordinated seizures were executed at Kochi, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram. * **Apprehensions:** Five individuals, identified as key operatives in trafficking networks, were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. * **Smuggling Methods:** The contraband was intercepted across various channels, including airport passenger baggage, courier consignments, and outbound export cargo. **Performance Metrics and Historical Data:** The DRI’s Cochin Zonal Unit remains a critical component in the government’s "Nasha Mukt Bharat" (Drug-Free India) vision. In the previous financial year, the unit recorded the following: * **Seizure Value:** Approximately **Rs. 70.76 crore** worth of narcotics and psychotropic substances. * **Total Arrests:** 21 persons apprehended in connection with various NDPS cases. **Administrative Information:** * **Source:** Press Information Bureau (PIB) Delhi, Ministry of Finance. * **Release ID:** 2266940. * **Date of Release:** May 30, 2026.

Key Entities Referenced

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): The primary intelligence and enforcement agency responsible for the anti-narcotics operations and seizures in Kerala. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: The central legislation under which individuals were apprehended and narcotic contraband was seized. Operation Chakravyuh: The specific coordinated anti-narcotics drive led by DRI's Cochin Unit to dismantle drug trafficking networks. Nasha Mukt Bharat: The Government of India's vision for a drug-free India, to which the DRI's enforcement efforts contribute. Kerala: The primary location of the operations, specifically across Kochi, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram.
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Ministry of Finance DRI intensifies anti-narcotics drive in Kerala under Operation Chakravyuh; 24 kg narcotic contraband seized; 5 arrested Posted On: 30 MAY 2026 1:43PM by PIB Delhi In coordinated anti-narcotics operations carried out by the Cochin Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), substantial quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including methaqualone, methamphetamine and hashish oil, intended for illicit distribution and trafficking were seized at Kochi, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram under Operation Chakravyuh. A total of over 24 kg narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances has been seized in these operations. Five individuals, including key operatives involved in the trafficking networks, have been apprehended under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The contraband was detected in different modes of smuggling, including passenger baggage at Airport, concealment in courier consignment and outbound export cargo. These seizures highlight DRI's continued vigilance and its focused efforts to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks operating through international and domestic channels.During the last financial year, DRI's Cochin Zonal Unit seized narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances valued at approximately Rs. 70.76 crore in Kerala and arrested 21 persons in connection with various NDPS cases. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding society from the menace of narcotic drugs and contributing to the Government of India's vision of a "Nasha Mukt Bharat" (Drug-Free India). **** NB/KMN (Release ID: 2266940) Visitor Counter : 1346 Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Gujarati , Tamil , Malayalam

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