New Delhi, May 30 (H.S.): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), intensifying its crackdown on narcotics under Operation Chakravyuh in Kerala, has seized more than 24 kilograms of illicit drugs and arrested five individuals in connection with the case.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the coordinated operation led by the DRI's Kochi Unit resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of narcotic substances, including methaqualone, methamphetamine, and hashish oil. The contraband was allegedly being prepared for illegal distribution and trafficking. The enforcement action was carried out across Kochi, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram.

The DRI stated that traffickers had employed multiple smuggling methods to transport the narcotics. These included concealment in passenger baggage at airports, courier parcels, and export cargo consignments in an attempt to evade detection.

Earlier, during the previous financial year, the DRI's Kochi Zonal Unit had seized narcotic substances valued at approximately ₹70.76 crore and arrested 21 individuals in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The latest operation underscores the agency's continued efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and curb the illegal narcotics trade in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar