On October 8–9, 2026, during an intelligence-based operation, the Mangaluru Regional Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended an Indian national travelling from Delhi to Bengaluru on a train. A thorough search of the passenger’s trolley bag revealed three packets containing 5.753 kg of a white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine (crystal meth).
The suspected contraband was seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985. The accused was arrested and subsequently remanded to judicial custody by the competent NDPS Court.
Methamphetamine, commonly known as crystal meth or ice, is a powerful, addictive synthetic psychostimulant that affects the central nervous system. Its misuse can lead to addiction and have serious physical and mental health consequences. In India, methamphetamine is a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), 1985. Under this Act, unauthorized possession, manufacture, sale, purchase, transport, import, or export is punishable. The severity of the punishment depends on the nature of the offense and the quantity of the substance involved. In the current case, the quantity of 5.753 kg of methamphetamine seized significantly exceeds the notified commercial quantity of 50 grams for this substance, and therefore, carries a penalty of rigorous imprisonment for 10 to 20 years and a fine of ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is committed to combating drug trafficking through intelligence-based enforcement action.