**Executive Summary**
A press release dated 27 February 2026 reports that the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Nagpur Regional Unit, dismantled an interstate drug trafficking syndicate. Two operations resulted in the seizure of over 1,250 kg of Cannabis (Ganja), valued at Rs. 6.25 crore, and the arrest of four individuals, including the mastermind, involved in inter-state narcotics trafficking.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Seizure Details:**
* DRI seized 1,251 kg of Cannabis (Ganja) worth approximately Rs. 6.25 crore in two intelligence-based operations.
* The operations targeted inter-state narcotics trafficking networks operating along the Odisha-Central India corridor.
* **First Operation:**
* A Bolero pick-up vehicle was intercepted on National Highway-53.
* 729 kg of cannabis was recovered from 53 gunny bags concealed within raw ginger.
* The recovered ganja was valued at Rs. 3.64 crore.
* Two individuals, including the mastermind, were arrested.
* The vehicle and cover cargo were seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.
* **Second Operation:**
* A truck was intercepted at Bhagimahari Toll Plaza on National Highway-47.
* 522 kg of cannabis was recovered concealed beneath coolers, table fans and blankets.
* The recovered ganja was valued at Rs. 2.61 crore.
* Two individuals were arrested.
* The vehicle and cover cargo were seized.
* **Enforcement Action:**
* The operations demonstrate DRI's sustained enforcement action against organized narcotics trafficking networks.
* DRI reaffirmed its commitment towards combating drug trafficking and contributing to the Government of India's vision of a "Nasha Mukt Bharat".
**Impact Analysis**
**Key Stakeholder: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)**
* **Impact:** Successful dismantling of a drug trafficking syndicate enhances DRI's reputation and demonstrates its operational effectiveness.
* **Action Required:** Continue to monitor and disrupt drug trafficking networks operating across state borders.
**Key Stakeholder: Government of India**
* **Impact:** Supports the Government's vision of a "Nasha Mukt Bharat" (Drug-Free India).
* **Action Required:** Continue to support and fund agencies like DRI to combat drug trafficking.
**Key Stakeholder: The Public**
* **Impact:** Reduction in drug supply potentially improves public health and safety by reducing availability of narcotics.
* **Action Required:** No direct action required; however, public awareness and reporting of suspicious activities can aid law enforcement.
**Key Stakeholder: Individuals Involved in Narcotics Trafficking**
* **Impact:** Arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in drug trafficking.
* **Action Required:** N/A
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): The agency that dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate and seized cannabis in the described operation.
NDPS Act, 1985: The Act under the provisions of which the seized cannabis was seized.
Nasha Mukt Bharat: A vision of the Government of India towards combating drug trafficking.
Odisha: A location, mentioned as the border from where the vehicles travelled.
Ministry of Finance
DRI Nagpur Seizes Over 1,250 Kgs of Ganja
Worth Rs. 6.25 Crore in Two Major Operations;
Four Arrested
Posted On: 27 FEB 2026 5:11PM by PIB Mumbai
Mumbai, 27 February 2026
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Nagpur Regional Unit of Mumbai Zone, has
dismantled an inter-state drug trafficking syndicate and seized 1,251 kg of Cannabis (Ganja)
valued at approximately Rs. 6.25 crore in two connected, intelligence-based operations. Four
persons involved in inter-state narcotics trafficking networks operating along the Odisha–Central
India corridor have been arrested, including the mastermind.
DRI officers intercepted a Bolero pick-up vehicle travelling from the Odisha–Andhra Pradesh
border towards the Madhya Pradesh–Rajasthan border on National Highway-53. The search of
the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 53 gunny bags containing 142 packages of cannabis
(ganja), weighing 729 kg, concealed within the cover cargo of raw ginger packed inside the
gunny bags. The recovered ganja, valued at Rs. 3.64 crore, along with the vehicle and cover
cargo, was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and two individuals were
arrested. Notably, one of the arrested persons is the mastermind involved in the earlier case
also and has been absconding since long.
Earlier, DRI officers had intercepted a truck travelling from the Odisha border at Bhagimahari
Toll Plaza on National Highway-47, and had recovered 100 packages of cannabis (ganja),
weighing 522 kg, concealed beneath the cover cargo of coolers, table fans and blankets. The
recovered ganja, valued at Rs. 2.61 crore, along with the vehicle and cover cargo, was then
seized, and two individuals were arrested.
These back-to-back operations demonstrate DRI’s sustained enforcement action against
organized narcotics trafficking networks operating across state borders. The successful
operations reaffirm DRI’s steadfast commitment towards combating drug trafficking and
contributing to the Government of India’s vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat.”* * *
PIB Mumbai | Yash Rane/Darshana Rane
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Read this release in: Marathi