Drugs Worth ₹7.5 Crore Seized in Bhopal, Five Arrested Including Four Nigerians

Major Drug Bust in Bhopal

In a significant operation against illegal drug trafficking, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized narcotics worth approximately ₹7.5 crore in Bhopal. During this operation, a total of five accused, including four Nigerian nationals, have been arrested. The seized drugs include a large quantity of crystalline methamphetamine, a highly addictive substance.

Intelligence-Led Operation

This action was based on credible intelligence received by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN). Agencies were informed that some individuals involved in drug trafficking were aboard a train traveling from New Delhi to Bengaluru. Acting on this information, investigative agencies intensified their surveillance at Bhopal Junction and began identifying and screening suspicious passengers.

Consignment Recovered at Bhopal Station

As the specified train arrived at Bhopal Junction, DRI and CBN officials immediately took action, searching the suspicious passengers. During this search operation, officials discovered six packets concealed in a trolley bag. Upon thorough examination of these packets, it was confirmed that they contained a large quantity of narcotics. In total, 8.6 kilograms of narcotics were recovered in this operation, including specifically 6.325 kilograms of crystalline methamphetamine.

The estimated value of the seized narcotics is approximately ₹7.5 crore. The DRI immediately seized the contraband and took all the involved accused into custody. Preliminary interrogation suggests this could be part of an interstate drug network, leading to an expansion of the investigation.

Tracing International Drug Network

Among the five individuals arrested in this case are four Nigerian nationals. Currently, agencies are working to ascertain where these individuals obtained the drugs from and their detailed plan to transport them to Bengaluru. The investigation team is conducting an in-depth probe to identify the contacts of the accused, details of their travels, mobile phone records, and other individuals associated with this alleged network.

Investigation Extends to Greater Noida

The major bust in Bhopal has led to an extension of the investigation to Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The DRI further expanded its probe there and recovered another consignment of 2.242 kilograms of crystalline methamphetamine from an alleged supplier. It has been revealed that the Nigerian nationals reportedly involved local individuals in their criminal network to facilitate drug supply. This operation in Greater Noida was conducted as part of a detailed investigation into this network.

Search for Suppliers and Source Continues

Currently, the DRI is attempting to establish the link between the accused apprehended in Bhopal and the alleged supplier found in Greater Noida. The agency is making relentless efforts to identify the main operators of this drug supply chain, other members of the network, and the final destination of the narcotics. Officials' investigation is also focused on where this consignment of crystalline methamphetamine originated in India and which cities it was intended to be distributed in.

Legal Action Under NDPS Act

A case has been registered against the arrested accused under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act). The seized narcotics have been confiscated as per legal procedure, and further legal proceedings are ongoing. This successful operation by the DRI is considered a major achievement against drug trafficking in the capital city of Bhopal. However, the full truth of this entire drug network will only emerge after a detailed and thorough investigation. The agency remains committed to reaching the other members of this syndicate and the source of the narcotics.