In a major breakthrough, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has successfully dismantled a drug smuggling syndicate, leading to the arrest of three key operatives involved in the illicit trade. The operation carried out with precision and collaboration between DRI Headquarters and DRI Bengaluru (BZU) resulted in the seizure of a staggering 5.2 kilograms of heroin, valued at over Rs 35 crores in the international market, the officials said on Sunday.
The crackdown commenced when officers of DRI Headquarters intercepted an Indian national arriving from Malawi via Addis Ababa on flight ET 686 at Delhi Airport on Saturday. Upon searching his belongings, the vigilant officers discovered two concealed packages inside one of his trolley bags. The suspicious packages were later confirmed to contain the illicit narcotic substance, suspected to be heroin, DRI officials confirmed.
Investigations revealed that the apprehended individual had intended to proceed to Goa, where the next phase of the operation was set to unfold. Capitalizing on this lead, DRI officers laid a well-coordinated trap at a hotel in Goa, awaiting the arrival of the contraband’s intended recipient.
The trap proved successful as an Indian woman arrived at the specified hotel to take possession of the illegal narcotics. Acting on precise information, DRI officers swiftly intervened and apprehended the intermediary, the officials stated.
With crucial information from the detained intermediary, the DRI team proceeded to Delhi, where they apprehended the mastermind behind the entire drug operation. The mastermind, a Nigerian national, was taken into custody by DRI officers.