Economy · GS3.9, GS2.9 · 2026-10-20 · 3 min read · 2026-10-20-am
DRI Intensifies Crackdown on Drug Trafficking and Gold Smuggling in India
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently seized over 7 kg of amphetamine, 3 kg of cocaine, 13 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs. 19.41 crore, and more than 43 lakh foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes. These operations highlight India's efforts to curb narcotics trafficking, gold smuggling, and cross-border illegal trade, which are critical for internal security and economic regulation.
DRI's coordinated intelligence-led operations have disrupted major narcotics and gold smuggling networks, reinforcing India's internal security and customs enforcement.
Why is this in the news?
On 19 October 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced DRI's intensified crackdown on drug trafficking and gold smuggling through multiple seizures and arrests across India.
[1] Press Information Bureau[2] Press Information Bureau[3] Press Information Bureau
What recent narcotics seizures has the DRI made?
- Amphetamine and cocaine seizures. DRI seized around 7.1 kg of amphetamine in two operations and 3.1 kg of cocaine in a separate operation at Bengaluru, near Nagpur, and New Delhi airports, leading to the arrest of three persons.
- Intelligence-led operations. The seizures resulted from coordinated, intelligence-led interceptions targeting passengers carrying narcotics concealed ingeniously in baggage.
- Legal framework. All narcotics were seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
How did the DRI dismantle the gold smuggling syndicate?
- Syndicate operations. DRI uncovered a gold smuggling network that smuggled 13.017 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs. 19.41 crore through Ahmedabad and Surat airports, involving passengers, handlers, illegal melting, and jewellery sale.
- Concealment methods. Smugglers used thin rhodium-coated gold wires, gold embedded in trolley bag linings, and gold paste concealed inside bags to evade detection.
- Investigation and arrests. Coordinated searches over 42 hours led to the seizure of gold and incriminating evidence, resulting in the arrest of three persons under the Customs Act, 1962.
What is the significance of the cigarette smuggling seizure in Mizoram?
- Large-scale seizure. DRI seized 43.2 lakh sticks of foreign-origin cigarettes valued at Rs. 8.64 crore on the Champhai–Aizawl Road, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar.
- Cross-border smuggling route. The cigarettes were intercepted en route to Aizawl, highlighting the use of the Mizoram–Myanmar border for illicit tobacco product movement.
- Legal action. The cigarettes and the transporting truck were seized under Section 110 of the Customs Act, 1962, and the driver was arrested.
Why do these DRI operations matter for internal security and economy?
- Disrupting narcotics supply chains. DRI's seizures prevent the movement of dangerous narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances through air and road networks, enhancing internal security.
- Combating organised smuggling. Dismantling gold smuggling syndicates and cigarette smuggling networks curbs illegal trade that affects economic regulation and revenue.
- Strengthening border enforcement. Operations along international borders and airports improve surveillance and enforcement against cross-border smuggling.
[1] Press Information Bureau[2] Press Information Bureau[3] Press Information Bureau
Key numbers
| Figure | What it measures | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 7.1 kg | Amount of amphetamine seized by DRI | |
| 3.1 kg | Amount of cocaine seized by DRI | |
| 13.017 kg | Foreign-origin gold seized by DRI | |
| Rs. 19.41 crore | Value of seized foreign-origin gold | |
| 43.2 lakh | Number of foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes seized | |
| Rs. 8.64 crore | Value of seized foreign-origin cigarettes |
Back to basics: Role of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is India's premier agency responsible for combating smuggling and economic offences related to customs and narcotics. It conducts intelligence-led operations to detect, prevent, and investigate illicit trade and trafficking activities, enforcing laws such as the Customs Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
Practice: MCQ, Mains and revision
Prelims MCQ
Consider the following statements about the recent DRI operations: 1. DRI seized over 7 kg of amphetamine and 3 kg of cocaine under the NDPS Act, 1985. 2. The gold smuggling syndicate was dismantled with seizures at Ahmedabad and Surat airports, and arrests were made under the Customs Act, 1962. Which of the statements is/are correct?
- Both 1 and 2
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Neither 1 nor 2
Answer and trap
Answer: (a). A trap could be confusing the legal provisions under which the arrests were made; narcotics seizures are under the NDPS Act, while gold smuggling arrests are under the Customs Act.
Mains question (15 marks)
Examine the role of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in combating drug trafficking and smuggling in India.
Examine: Explain how DRI's intelligence-led operations disrupt narcotics and smuggling networks and their impact on internal security and economic regulation.
Intro: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is the primary agency combating smuggling and narcotics trafficking in India.
- DRI conducts intelligence-led coordinated operations to intercept narcotics and smuggled goods at airports, roads, and border points.
- Recent seizures include over 7 kg amphetamine, 3 kg cocaine, 13 kg foreign-origin gold, and 43.2 lakh smuggled cigarettes, demonstrating operational success.
- DRI's actions disrupt supply chains, dismantle organised syndicates, and enforce laws like the NDPS Act and Customs Act, strengthening internal security and economic control.
Conclusion: DRI's focused enforcement plays a crucial role in safeguarding India's borders and economy from illicit trade and trafficking.
Quick revision
- Under which law were the narcotics seized by DRI?
- The narcotics were seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- How much foreign-origin gold did DRI seize in the recent operation?
- DRI seized 13.017 kg of foreign-origin gold worth around Rs. 19.41 crore.
- From where were the smuggled cigarettes intercepted in Mizoram?
- The cigarettes were intercepted on the Champhai–Aizawl Road, suspected to be smuggled from Myanmar.
Sources
- [1] Press Information Bureau: DRI seizes over seven kg amphetamine and three kg cocaine as it intensifies crackdown on drug trafficking in country; three arrested · 2026-10-19 · official
- [2] Press Information Bureau: DRI seizes 13 kg foreign-origin gold worth around Rs. 19.41 crore and dismantles a gold smuggling syndicate in Gujarat; three arrested · 2026-10-19 · official
- [3] Press Information Bureau: DRI seizes more than 43 lakh foreign-origin smuggled cigarettes worth Rs. 8.64 crore in Mizoram; one arrested · 2026-10-19 · official