In a major breakthrough, DRI busts huge methamphetamine smuggling syndicate in one of the biggest seizures in North-East Region

Ministry of Finance In a major breakthrough, DRI busts huge methamphetamine smuggling syndicate in one of the biggest seizures in North-East Region DRI seizes more than 231 kg methamphetamine tablets; Four trucks intercepted; Three arrested Market value of contraband runs into several hundred crore rupees

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 3:43PM by PIB Delhi Continuing its sustained crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

(DRI), has busted a major drug smuggling syndicate in the North-East, resulting in one of the biggest seizures of methamphetamine in the region. The seizure has an estimated illicit street value running into several hundred crore rupees. The intelligence-led operation involved coordinated surveillance and simultaneous interception at multiple locations, leading to the seizure of a large consignment of methamphetamine.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted four trucks at multiple locations in Assam and Tripura during 15.09.2026, which were suspected to be transporting large consignments of methamphetamine tablets.On 15.09.26, in the first operation, one of the suspected trucks was identified and intercepted at Ramnathpur, Assam, approximately 100 km from Silchar, with the assistance of 38 Battalion, Assam Rifles. Thereafter, the second suspected truck carrying similar consignment was located in the vicinity.

However, neither the driver nor the handyman was present with the vehicle.

Rummaging of the first truck resulted in the recovery of 275 packets, weighing 55 kg in total, containing pinkish-orangish tablets, suspected to be methamphetamine tablets, concealed in the roof of the driver's cabin. Detailed rummaging of the second truck resulted in the recovery of 271 packets of similarly coloured tablets, weighing 54.2 kg also concealed in the roof of the driver's cabin. A total of 109.2 kg suspected methamphetamine tablets, were recovered and seized along with two vehicles under the provisions of the NDPS Act and one person was arrested.

Simultaneously, as part of the same intelligence-led operation, another targeted goods carrier carrying a declared load of cement was identified while proceeding from Khowai towards Agartala and intercepted at Teliamura, approximately 45 km from Agartala, with the assistance of 28 Battalion, Assam Rifles.

Detailed examination of resulted in the recovery of 295 plastic packets, containing 72.6 kg pinkish- orangish tablets suspected to be methamphetamine, concealed in the roof of the driver’s cabin. The contraband and vehicle were seized and the driver was arrested.

Further intelligence developed during the operation and prompt action by DRI officers led to the interception of another truck belonging to the same syndicate near Panisagar, Tripura. Search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 50 kg suspected methamphetamine tablets, also concealed in thevehicle. The contraband and vehicle were seized and the driver was arrested.

The coordinated action of DRI resulted in the seizure of a total of 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets, and the arrest of three persons. All four trucks used for transportation of the contraband have also been seized.

Earlier, in the month of August 2026, DRI in two intelligence-led operations carried out near Silchar and Mizoram had seized 76 kg methamphetamine tablets, which were also found concealed in the vehicles at different places.

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