DRI’s Operation Chakravyuh Seizes 24 kg Narcotics in Kerala, Arrests 5 under NDPS Act

<h3>Overview</h3> <p>The <span class="key-term" data-definition="Directorate of Revenue Intelligence — India's chief intelligence agency under the Ministry of Finance, tasked with curbing smuggling and economic offences (GS2: Polity)">DRI</span> intensified its anti‑narcotics drive in Kerala under <span class="key-term" data-definition="Operation Chakravyuh — a coordinated anti‑narcotics operation launched by DRI to dismantle drug trafficking networks in Kerala (GS3: Security)">Operation Chakravyuh</span>. In a series of raids across Kochi, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram, authorities seized more than <strong>24 kg</strong> of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and arrested five key operatives.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Seizure of <strong>24 kg</strong> of narcotics, including <span class="key-term" data-definition="Methamphetamine — a synthetic stimulant classified as a Schedule I narcotic under the NDPS Act; highly addictive and a major drug‑abuse concern (GS3: Health)">methamphetamine</span>, <span class="key-term" data-definition="Methaqualone — a sedative‑hypnotic drug, also prohibited under the NDPS Act (GS3: Health)">methaqualone</span> and <span class="key-term" data-definition="Hashish oil — a concentrated cannabis extract, illegal under the NDPS Act (GS3: Health)">hashish oil</span>.</li> <li>Arrest of <strong>five</strong> individuals, including senior operatives of the trafficking network, under the provisions of the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act — 1985 law that criminalises the production, possession, sale and transport of narcotics; prescribes stringent punishments (GS3: Law)">NDPS Act</span>.</li> <li>Contraband was uncovered in multiple smuggling modes: passenger baggage at the airport, concealed in courier consignments, and hidden in outbound export cargo.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <ul> <li>During the last financial year, the <strong>Co​chin Zonal Unit</strong> of DRI seized narcotics worth approximately <strong>Rs 70.76 crore</strong> in Kerala and arrested <strong>21</strong> persons in various NDPS cases.</li> <li>The operation underscores DRI’s focus on both international and domestic trafficking channels.</li> <li>The agency reiterated its commitment to the government’s vision of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Nasha Mukt Bharat — ‘Drug‑Free India’, a national goal aimed at eliminating illicit drug use and related crime (GS3: Social Issues)">Nasha Mukt Bharat</span>.</li> </ul> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding the role of agencies like the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Directorate of Revenue Intelligence — India's chief intelligence agency under the Ministry of Finance, tasked with curbing smuggling and economic offences (GS2: Polity)">DRI</span> is essential for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Security) topics. The <span class="key-term" data-definition="NDPS Act — 1985 law that criminalises the production, possession, sale and transport of narcotics; prescribes stringent punishments (GS3: Law)">NDPS Act</span> is a key piece of legislation examined in law‑related questions. Data on drug seizures and arrests illustrate the scale of the illicit drug market, linking to GS 3 (Economy) and GS 4 (Ethics) discussions on public health and governance.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <ul> <li>Strengthen inter‑agency coordination between customs, police, and intelligence units to plug smuggling loopholes.</li> <li>Enhance surveillance at airports and cargo hubs using technology‑driven screening.</li> <li>Promote public awareness campaigns aligned with the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Nasha Mukt Bharat — ‘Drug‑Free India’, a national goal aimed at eliminating illicit drug use and related crime (GS3: Social Issues)">Nasha Mukt Bharat</span> initiative.</li> <li>Periodically review and update the legal framework to keep pace with new synthetic drugs.</li> </ul>