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The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 270 kg of mephedrone, a synthetic narcotic drug, in a two-day operation involving several states. The contraband was transported domestically by a drug syndicate, hidden under chicken feed used as cover cargo to avoid inspection.
The seizure of a record quantity of mephedrone worth ₹81 crore in the illicit market is seen as a major blow to drug smuggling networks. A DRI spokesperson said here on Tuesday (Jan 13, 2026) that anti-smuggling agency officers intercepted a truck carrying agricultural cargo on the Deedwana-Kuchaman state highway in Rajasthan.
“A detailed investigation led to the recovery of 270kg of mephedrone cleverly concealed in a consignment of chicken feed,” the spokeswoman said. The driver of the vehicle and the members of the syndicate involved in the transport, as well as the persons accompanying the shipment, were detained on the spot.
Subsequent searches conducted at several locations in Haryana led to the arrest of other key members of the syndicate who were involved in the production and supply of the seized contraband. The spokesman said certain raw materials were also found in a dismantled illegal drug production facility.
“The operation was logistically challenging, involving sustained effort, interstate coordination and precision execution to intercept the movement of contraband,” the spokesman said. The seizure of contraband and the arrest of six key syndicate members led to the breakup of a well-organized, multi-jurisdictional narcotics syndicate operating in several states.
The DRI has already busted six clandestine factories illegally manufacturing mephedrone, alprazolam and methamphetamine in Wardha, Hyderabad and Greater Noida during the current financial year. The spokesman said the agency had carried out intelligence-based enforcement and launched a coordinated action to curb the menace of narcotic and psychotropic substances.
Published – 13 Jan 2026 21:02 IST
