Kerala Drug Bust: DRI Seizes 24 kg of Narcotics, Arrests Five

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recently confiscated more than 24 kilograms of narcotic drugs in Kerala, arresting five individuals in connection. These actions were part of an effort by the finance ministry to curb drug trafficking in the region.

The Cochin Unit of DRI launched Operation Chakravyuh, successfully capturing the contraband, which included methaqualone, methamphetamine, and hashish oil, from various locations such as Kochi, Malappuram, and Thiruvananthapuram. This contraband was meant for illegal distribution networks.

Key figures in the trafficking operations have been detained under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985. Smuggling techniques uncovered included the use of passenger baggage at airports, concealment in courier packages, and attempts to export via cargo shipments.

Last year, the DRI's Cochin Zonal Unit made significant strides by seizing narcotics worth approximately Rs 70.76 crore in Kerala, with 21 individuals apprehended across several cases.

(With inputs from agencies.)