The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its crackdown on narcotics trafficking through coordinated, intelligence-led operations, resulting in the seizure of around 7.1 kg of amphetamine in two operations and around 3.1 kg of cocaine in a third operation, leading to the arrest of three persons, the agency said. The seizures were made at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru; near Nagpur; and Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a passenger arriving at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, from Delhi on October 14, 2026. Examination of the passenger's baggage led to the recovery of 5.166 kg of amphetamine. The substance was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the passenger was arrested.

Two days later, officers intercepted an Indian national travelling by bus from Delhi to Hyderabad near Khapa Phata, Saoner, on the outskirts of Nagpur. Examination of his backpack revealed a white crystalline substance concealed inside a new ladies' suit, and another packet hidden in the backpack's inner lining. Field testing yielded a positive result for amphetamine. In total, 1.97 kg of amphetamine was recovered and seized under the NDPS Act, and the passenger was arrested.

In a separate operation on October 15/16, DRI officers intercepted an Indian passenger who had arrived at Terminal 3 of IGI Airport, New Delhi, from Ghana. A systematic examination of his baggage led to the recovery of six transparent packets containing white powder weighing 3.134 kg in total. Field testing confirmed a positive result for cocaine. The substance was seized under the NDPS Act, and the passenger was arrested.

The DRI said the operations underscore its sustained efforts to disrupt narcotics supply chains, detect ingenious concealment methods and prevent the movement of dangerous drugs through the country's air and road networks.

Sources: DRI official statement via PIB reporting; IANS via HiIndia; Konni Vartha (October 19, 2026).