DRI seizes massive 137 kg consignment of crystal meth; busts coastal drug trafficking network; 4 arrested in Tamil Nadu

Ministry of Finance DRI seizes massive 137 kg consignment of crystal meth; busts coastal drug trafficking network; 4 arrested in Tamil Nadu Major intelligence-led operation foils suspected attempt to smuggle drug to Sri Lanka through maritime route

Posted On: 18 OCT 2026 1:17PM by PIB Delhi In a major crackdown on organised drug trafficking, in one of the biggest narcotics seizures in Tamil Nadu’s coastal region in recent years, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 137 kg (gross) crystal methamphetamine, a banned synthetic drug, from a coastal village in Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers conducted an intensive surveillance and enforcement operation during 16–17 October 2026, successfully uncovering a suspected coastal drug-trafficking network attempting to smuggle the narcotic substances to Sri Lanka. The consignment was intended to be smuggled to Sri Lanka through mid-sea transfer. The value of the seized contraband in the illicit drug market is estimated to be in excess of Rs 100 crore.

The operation followed specific intelligence indicating that a large consignment of narcotic substances had been transported to a coastal location in Nagapattinam district for storage and onward smuggling to Sri Lanka. A subsequent search led to the recovery of six duffel bags containing 27 silver-foil packets, with each weighing approximately 5 kg were recovered. The packets contained a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine of high purity. The contraband was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.In a simultaneous search at the premises of the suspected organiser, DRI officers seized Rs. 10 lakh in cash suspected to represent sale proceeds. Two four-wheelers and one two-wheeler allegedly used for transporting the narcotic substance were also seized. The operation successfully exposed the drug trafficking network including persons involved in organising the coastal export, transportation, storage and logistics of the consignment.

Four persons, have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985, and remanded to judicial custody.

Through this operation, DRI has not only removed a significant quantity of contraband drugs from illicit circulation but also successfully dismantled a drug-trafficking network.

This major seizure underscores DRI’s sustained efforts and enforcement capabilities in disrupting organised drug-trafficking networks and preventing the use of India’s coastline as a corridor for illicit narcotics trafficking.

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