DRI Busts Illegal Drug Export Network, Seizes 2 Lakh Tablets Meant for Nigeria

New Delhi: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted an organised network allegedly involved in the clandestine manufacture and illegal export of psychotropic substances, seizing 2 lakh tablets and arresting three key accused, officials said.

The week-long intelligence-led operation uncovered an illicit drug manufacturing and export network operating across Maharashtra. The seized consignment, intercepted at the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex, was allegedly destined for Nigeria.

According to the DRI, the export consignment had been declared as containing Pregabalin Capsules-300 mg. However, a detailed examination revealed 1 lakh Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets of 250 mg strength, weighing around 25 kg, and 1 lakh Tapentadol tablets of 200 mg strength, weighing approximately 20 kg.

The tablets were allegedly concealed inside the consignment in an attempt to evade detection.

The DRI investigation found that the Tramadol tablets had been clandestinely manufactured at a factory in Ambernath, Maharashtra. The tablets were packed in plain cartons to conceal their identity before being transported to a warehouse near the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex.

At the warehouse, the consignment was allegedly repacked in white gunny bags before being prepared for illegal export to Nigeria.

Following the seizure, DRI officers conducted coordinated searches at multiple locations linked to the suspected network, including premises associated with the exporter, manufacturer, supplier, transporter and storage warehouse.

During the searches at the manufacturing facility, officers also seized tablet-compression machinery and substantial quantities of raw materials allegedly intended for the clandestine manufacture of psychotropic substances.

The operation culminated in the arrest of three key members of the alleged syndicate. Those arrested include the IEC holder/exporter, the supplier-cum-coordinator and the alleged clandestine manufacturer of the Tramadol tablets.

Tramadol and Tapentadol are synthetic opioid analgesics used under medical supervision for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. Both medicines are subject to regulatory controls because of their potential for abuse and dependence.

The DRI noted that Tramadol has been notified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Tapentadol, while not currently included in the NDPS Act schedule, is regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the rules framed under it.

The agency said the illicit manufacture, diversion and trafficking of such medicines pose a serious public health concern and are often associated with organised transnational drug-trafficking networks.

With the latest operation, the DRI said it has dismantled a network allegedly involved in the manufacture, storage, concealment and attempted international export of psychotropic substances.

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