DRI seized 100 Kg of psychotropic substance purported to be Methaqualone at Pune

The Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials from Pune Regional Unit, Pune seized one Maruti Suzuki Swift Dezire car having Telangana registration in Pune based on intelligence information on Tuesday (August 22, 2023).

During a thorough search of the vehicle, it was discovered that it was carrying four blue-colored plastic canisters containing white crystalline substance. Primary field testing revealed that the material was Methaqualone, which is classified as a psychotropic substance under the rules of the NDPS Act of 1985. As a result, the DRI confiscated the car and 101.31 Kg of the aforesaid material, alleged to be Methaqualone, with an illegal value of Rs. 50.65 Crores (estimated) under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

In connection with the case, five people from Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana have been arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the detained individuals were involved in the unlawful sale and/or acquisition, transportation, and export of psychotropic chemicals, and that the cartel may be stretched throughout numerous Indian states and may potentially have international ties. This case is still under investigation.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is a main agency that fights import and export fraud as well as anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics activity.