DRI seizes 232 kg of methamphetamine in northeast crackdown

The latest operation comes shortly after two DRI operations in August, near Silchar and Mizoram, in which the agency seized a combined 76 kg of methamphetamine tablets.

New Delhi: In a major crackdown on synthetic-drug trafficking in the northeast, the directorate of revenue intelligence (DRI) has seized 231.8 kg of suspected methamphetamine tablets from four trucks intercepted across Assam and Tripura, underscoring the scale of drug consignments being moved through the region.

According to a press statement issued on Wednesday by the ministry of finance, the operation was conducted on 15 September and resulted in the arrest of three people and the seizure of four trucks used to transport the contraband.

The seizure is among the largest reported methamphetamine busts by the DRI in the northeast, and comes amid continued synthetic-drug trafficking through the region, which shares international borders with Myanmar. In its statement, the DRI noted that the illicit street value of the latest consignment runs into several hundred crore rupees.

“The operation was based on specific intelligence and involved surveillance followed by simultaneous interception of suspected vehicles at multiple locations in Assam and Tripura. The Assam Rifles assisted the DRI in the interceptions,” it said.

The latest operation comes shortly after two DRI operations in August, near Silchar and Mizoram, in which the agency seized a combined 76 kg of methamphetamine tablets. The drugs in those cases were also concealed in vehicles. This means the DRI has reported seizures of at least 307.8 kg of methamphetamine tablets in the northeast in August and September, according to government releases.

Vulnerable region

Central agencies have identified the northeast as vulnerable to the trafficking of synthetic drugs. The home affairs ministry has previously identified the region's proximity to Myanmar as one of the factors contributing to this vulnerability. Myanmar borders four northeastern states — Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram — which provides multiple routes to smuggle narcotics into India.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is regulated under India's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The legislation mandates stringent penalties for offences involving illegal substances, with punishment depending on the quantity involved, among other factors.

About the Author

Dhirendra Kumar is a seasoned policy reporter with about 20 years of experience in deep, on-ground reporting across key economic and governance sectors. His work spans finance, public expenditure, disinvestment, public sector enterprises, textiles, trade, consumer affairs, and agriculture, with a strong focus on uncovering structural policy shifts and their real-world impact.<br><br>Kumar has been awarded the Chaudhary Charan Singh Award for Excellence in Journalism in Agricultural Research and Development, recognising his contribution to reporting on critical issues in the farm sector. He has also been a recipient of a fellowship in international trade from the National Press Foundation, which has further strengthened his coverage of global trade dynamics and their implications for India.<br><br>Kumar is known for breaking complex policy developments into clear, accessible stories. His reporting focuses on uncovering under-reported trends, explaining policy shifts, and helping readers stay informed about developments that shape India’s economic landscape.

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