DRI seizes around 740 kg cannabis and charas in operations across country as it intensifies crackdown on illegal cannabis trafficking; 13 persons arrested

Ministry of Finance DRI seizes around 740 kg cannabis and charas in operations across country as it intensifies crackdown on illegal cannabis trafficking; 13 persons arrested

Posted On: 09 SEP 2026 11:05AM by PIB Delhi Continuing its intelligence-led crackdown against illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has conducted eight significant operations across the country in last fortnight, resulting in the seizure of around 740 kg cannabis (ganja/high-grade hydroponic cannabis) and charas, and the arrest of 13 persons under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The seizures include 709.6 kg cannabis (ganja), 24.5 kg high-grade hydroponic cannabis and 5 kg charas.

In an intelligence-led operation on 08.09.2026, officers of DRI intercepted two trucks coming from Vishakhapatnam at Old Dhamtari Road near Raipur. Thorough examination of the vehicles resulted in the recovery of 61 packets suspected to be ganja, concealed in 10 sacks kept in the loading areas of the trucks.

Field testing indicated the presence of cannabis. A total of 375.95 kg cannabis, along with the two trucks, was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985, and four persons were arrested.

Seized truck and 375.95 kg ganja at Raipur Previously, on 26.08.2026, DRI officers had seized around 124 kg cannabis, concealed in a truck, which was also intercepted near Raipur. The truck was seized under the NDPS Act, 1985, and one person was arrested.Raipur : Seized 124 kgs of Ganja with truck In another operation conducted during 05–06.09.2026, officers of DRI, acting on specific intelligence, after a chase, intercepted a truck at Aurangabad–Patna Highway near Patna. During the interception, the officers were attacked, resulting in injuries to one officer, while the driver of the truck managed to escape.

A search of the vehicle led to the detection of a secret cavity behind the driver’s cabin, from which 90 packets containing ganja were recovered – as confirmed by field testing. A total of 140.5 kg ganja and the truck were seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.

On 01/02.09.2026, officers of DRI intercepted a suspected vehicle near Ludhiana in Punjab, and rummaging of the car resulted in the recovery of 67 packets containing cannabis weighing around 69 kg.

The packets were concealed in specially created cavities in the floor of the vehicle. The contraband and the vehicle used for its transportation were seized and two persons were arrested under the NDPS Act,

1985.

On 03.09.2026, officers of DRI, acting on specific intelligence intercepted three persons travelling in the general compartment of Amarnath Express train at Gorakhpur Railway Station. Personal search resulted in the recovery of around 5 kg charas (hashish), concealed by two of the passengers in knee-cap-like coverings wrapped around their thighs and hidden inside their sarees. Investigations indicated that the charas had been smuggled from Nepal. The recovered charas/hashish was seized and all three persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.Additionally, in last 15 days, in a series of three different operations, the officers of DRI intercepted 3 passengers, arriving from Hanoi, Vietnam and Bangkok, Thailand at Hyderabad and Bengaluru airports, collectively resulting in the seizure of approximately 24.6 kg high potency cannabis. Three persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.

The series of operations demonstrates DRI’s sustained focus on disrupting the trafficking of narcotic drugs through road, rail and air routes, including concealed consignments in specially created vehicle cavities, secret compartments and passenger baggage.

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