**Executive Summary**
Between July 15 and July 17, 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) executed a series of nationwide intelligence-led operations to dismantle organized smuggling syndicates. These operations resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics, 85 lakh smuggled cigarettes valued at ₹20 crore, and drone-dropped firearms. Five individuals were arrested across Mizoram and Chennai for violations of the NDPS Act, 1985.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Narcotics Interdiction**
* **Mizoram (15.07.2026):** DRI officers seized 15 kg of Methamphetamine tablets concealed in a truck on the Aizawl–Champhai Road. The drugs were reportedly smuggled from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector.
* **Chennai (17.07.2026):** Authorities busted a clandestine facility and recovered 4 kg of Pseudoephedrine, a precursor chemical for Methamphetamine, hidden in a fabricated cavity. The substance was intended for illegal export.
**Illicit Tobacco Trade**
* **Mumbai (16.07.2026):** At Nhava Sheva port, the DRI intercepted an import container from Dubai declared as "Plastic Storage Boxes."
* **Seizure Details:** Examination revealed 85 lakh sticks of foreign-made Gold Flake brand cigarettes with an estimated market value of ₹20 crore.
**Arms Trafficking**
* **Punjab (17.07.2026):** Two Pakistan-made pistols and magazines were recovered in the Amritsar sector near the International Border.
* **Method of Entry:** The firearms were delivered via two drone-dropped parcels.
**Enforcement and Legal Actions**
* **Arrests:** One person was arrested in Mizoram and four persons were arrested in Chennai under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
* **Firearms Processing:** The seized weapons in Punjab were transferred to the jurisdictional police for action under the Arms Act, 1959.
**Impact Analysis**
**Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)**
**Impact**
Successful disruption of transnational criminal networks and progress toward the "Nasha Mukt Bharat" (drug-free India) initiative.
**Action Required**
Continue intelligence-led enforcement and coordination with jurisdictional authorities to process the seized contrabands.
**Organized Smuggling Syndicates**
**Impact**
Loss of approximately ₹20 crore in tobacco inventory and seizure of high-value narcotics and weaponry, alongside the arrest of five operatives.
**Action Required**
The individuals involved are subject to prosecution and legal penalties under the NDPS Act, 1985, and the Arms Act, 1959.
**Jurisdictional Police (Punjab)**
**Impact**
The local police have been integrated into the enforcement chain following the recovery of drone-dropped firearms.
**Action Required**
Take necessary legal action and conduct further investigations into the recovered Pakistan-made pistols under the Arms Act, 1959.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): The lead enforcement agency that conducted nationwide intelligence-led operations resulting in the seizure of narcotics, smuggled cigarettes, and firearms.
NDPS Act, 1985: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, under which individuals were arrested for smuggling methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine.
Arms Act, 1959: The legal framework under which jurisdictional police took action following the recovery of drone-dropped Pakistan-made pistols.
Nasha Mukt Bharat: A national initiative for a drug-free India that serves as the broader strategic objective for these enforcement operations.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes 15 kg methamphetamine, 4 kg
pseudoephedrine, 85 lakh smuggled cigarettes,
and 2 drone-dropped Pakistan-made pistols in
nationwide operations; 5 arrested
Posted On: 18 JUL 2026 8:16PM by PIB Delhi
Continuing its sustained enforcement action against organised smuggling syndicates and transnational
criminal networks, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out a series of intelligence-led
operations across the country, resulting in the seizure of 15 kg Methamphetamine tablets, around 4 kg
Pseudoephedrine, nearly 85 lakh smuggled cigarettes, and two drone-dropped Pakistan-made pistols. Five
persons were arrested in connection with these operations.
On 15.07.2026, acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a truck on the Aizawl–Champhai
Road in Mizoram on 15.07.2026. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of ingeniously concealed,
brick-shaped packets containing 15 kg Methamphetamine tablets. Preliminary investigation indicates
that the narcotic drugs were smuggled from Myanmar through the Zokhawthar sector of Mizoram. One
person was arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
On 16.07.2026, in another intelligence-led operation, DRI officers intercepted an import container at
Nhava Sheva, Mumbai, which had arrived from Dubai and was declared to contain “Plastic Storage
Boxes”. Examination, however, revealed that it was packed with nearly 85 lakh sticks of foreign-made
Gold Flake brand cigarettes. The smuggled cigarettes, valued at ₹20 crore, were seized.On 17.07.2026, DRI officers in Punjab, acting on specific intelligence, recovered two drone-dropped
parcels near the International Border in the Amritsar sector. Examination of the parcels led to the recovery
of two Pakistan-made pistols with magazines. The firearms were handed over to the jurisdictional
police for necessary action under the Arms Act, 1959.
Acting on intelligence on 17.7.2026, DRI officers in Chennai busted a clandestine premises and seized
around 4 kg Pseudoephedrine, a precursor chemical used in the illicit manufacture of Methamphetamine.
The contraband was concealed inside a specially fabricated cavity within the premises. Preliminary
investigation indicates that the seized Pseudoephedrine was intended to be illegally exported abroad. Four
persons were arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.These intelligence-led operations underscore DRI's unwavering commitment to combating organised
smuggling, narcotics trafficking, illicit tobacco trade, and the cross-border movement of arms for a Nasha
Mukt Bharat (drug free India).
****
SR/KMN
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