Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s Mumbai unit seizes Rs 17.55 crore narcotics, 10 arrested

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s Mumbai Zonal Unit has seized narcotics worth an estimated Rs 17.55 crore in a series of coordinated operations across Maharashtra and Goa over the past three days, arresting 10 persons, an official said on Tuesday.

“The seizures were made in separate operations conducted on highways, at airport premises and on international and domestic flights,” the official said, adding that the actions reflect the DRI’s sustained efforts to disrupt organised drug trafficking networks operating across multiple routes.

The seized contraband included 522.138 kg of ganja, 1.12 kg of cocaine, 3.15 kg of hydroponic weed and 280 grams of amphetamine , collectively valued at Rs 17.55 crore in the illicit market.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted a truck at the Bhagimahari Toll Plaza near Nagpur on National Highway 47. “A thorough examination of the vehicle led to the recovery of 17 cartons containing 100 packets of ganja weighing 522.138 kg,” the official said. The drugs, valued at Rs 2.6 crore, were concealed beneath a cover cargo of coolers, table fans and blankets. Two persons were arrested, and the contraband was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

In another operation, officers intercepted a food truck belonging to an airport catering company as it exited airport premises. “During inspection, 3.15 kg of hydroponic weed was found concealed behind the passenger seat of the vehicle,” the official said. Follow-up action revealed a wider syndicate operating within the airport ecosystem.

“Further investigation led to the arrest of aircraft cleaning staff who retrieved drugs hidden in aircraft toilet bins, a duty manager who assigned staff to specific flights, and the main coordinator of the syndicate,” the official said. The hydroponic weed, valued at Rs 3.15 crore, along with the vehicle, was seized under the NDPS Act. In total, five members of the syndicate were arrested in this case.

In a separate case, a Kenyan national arriving at Mumbai airport from Entebbe, Uganda , was intercepted after officers suspected internal concealment. “The passenger was found to have ingested seven capsules containing 446 grams of cocaine,” the official said, adding that the seized drugs were valued at Rs 4.66 crore.

In another incident, a Nigerian national arriving in Mumbai from Delhi on a domestic flight was intercepted. “Examination of her baggage resulted in the recovery of 673 grams of cocaine worth Rs 6.73 crore,” the official said.

In yet another operation, a Nigerian national arriving in Goa from Delhi by a domestic flight was found carrying 280 grams of amphetamine valued at Rs 22 lakh. “The contraband was seized and the passenger was arrested in accordance with the NDPS Act,” the official added.

Officials said investigations are ongoing to identify the suppliers, financiers and wider distribution networks linked to the seized narcotics. “These cases highlight the evolving modus operandi of drug syndicates and the need for continued vigilance,” the official said.