In a quick intelligence-led operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers intercepted a drug trafficker on a bus en route from Delhi to Bhopal . They seized 6.642 kg of amphetamine (a controlled psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985).
The drugs were found in the luggage of the passenger, and the seizure again demonstrates the continued problem of synthetic drug trafficking via inter-state routes. This case shows that real-time intelligence was key to successfully disrupting the trafficking network.
Based on a tip-off, DRI officers stopped a bus and checked a passenger’s bags. They found three silver-coloured plastic packets containing a white crystalline substance. The packets weighed 6.642 kg in total. A field test showed it was amphetamine. Police seized the substance under the NDPS Act and arrested the passenger on the spot.
Further investigation revealed that the person was already out on bail in another NDPS case filed by Bengaluru Police. This suggests he may be involved in the drug trade, not just in a single incident. His continued activity despite the earlier case raises questions about how effective bail conditions are and whether there are organised supply routes for synthetic stimulants from northern to central India.
Amphetamine is a strong stimulant for the central nervous system and is controlled under the NDPS Act because it can be abused and is often made illegally. Although most seizures still involve opium and cannabis, the rising number of amphetamine cases shows that the drug trade is changing.
It’s manufactured in small, clandestine labs and easily concealed in small packets. Amphetamine is made in small hidden labs, packed into small packets, and often moved by public transport to avoid being caught.
The 6.642 kg seized is small compared to the large amounts of other drugs usually found, but it is still worth a lot on the street. Once divided and sold, it could produce thousands of doses. Trafficking and illicit trade have ramped up their operations against synthetic drugs over the past few years.
The strategy has been to intercept consignments at inter-city transit points by bus, rail, and road, cutting the supply chain before it reaches major consumption centres. The successful interception of the consignment on the Delhi-Bhopal route is a case in point of the efficacy of a good tip-off and the importance of field officers working closely with intelligence units.
DRI has reaffirmed its intent to continue dismantling drug trafficking networks. The DRI has said it will keep working to break up drug trafficking networks by using ongoing, intelligence-based actions against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
Arresting a repeat offender reminds authorities to watch closely those already known for similar crimes. Contacts, potential source points in Delhi, and any links to the earlier Bengaluru case.
The amphetamine seized has been forwarded to the lab for confirmation, and the accused is in custody under the NDPS Act, pending further proceedings.