DRI busts two drug syndicates, seizes drugs worth Rs 245 crore
Darpan News Desk IANS, 03 Aug, 2022 05:21 PM
New Delhi, Aug 3 (IANS) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers on Wednesday said that they have busted two drug cartels and seized drugs worth Rs 245 crore in two separate cases reported from Haryana and Bengaluru.
In the first case the DRI officials arrested three persons and busted a clandestine factory in Yamunanagar, Haryana, that was involved in the illicit manufacture of Ephedrine. This is a controlled substance listed under Schedule A of the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.
"Ephedrine is used in the manufacture of Methamphetamine, a party drug more commonly known as ice, crystal meth, speed etc. The operation led to the seizure of 661 kg of Ephedrine and 5200 kg of raw material valued at Rs 133 crore in the international illicit market," said the DRI official.
The official said that specific intelligence was developed by the DRI that illicit manufacture of chemical drugs was taking place at a clandestine factory in the rural areas adjoining Yamunanagar.
During the searches carried out at the factory premises over a period of two days, starting July 29, a large consignment of Ephedrine weighing 661 kg was recovered along with over 5200 kg of raw material, which was to be used in the manufacture of Ephedrine.
Equipment like centrifuges and glass line reactors, which were being used to manufacture the chemical drugs, were also seized.
In another case, DRI officials intercepted a person at Bengaluru railway station and seized 16 kg heroin valued at Rs 112 crore in the international market.
It was concealed in the false cavity of a trolley bag. The accused had arrived in Bengaluru from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and was on his way to New Delhi, when he was intercepted and arrested.
In the financial year 2021-22, through its operations conducted across the country, DRI has seized 3,463 kg of heroin, 208 kg of pseudoephedrine and 321 kg of cocaine, together valued at almost Rs 19,800 crores in the international market.
Those arrested have been identified as Sandeep Singh, alias Kekda of Sirsa, Haryana; Manpreet Singh, alias Manna of Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda; Manpreet Bhau of Dhaipai, Faridkot; Saraj Mintu of Dode Kalsia village, Amritsar; Prabhdeep Sidhu, alias Pabbi of Takhat-Mall, Haryana; Monu Dagar of Rewli village in Sonipat, Haryana; Pawan Bishnoi and Naseeb, both residents of Fatehabad, Haryana.
Acting on the interrogation of earlier arrested Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Guramanpreet Singh and contractor Hummy, the police took Dharamsot into custody for the wrongdoings in the Forest Department.
The Chief Minister's Office said the Cabinet gave the nod for promulgation of the session from June 24 with obituary references and motion of thanks on the Governor's Address, followed by a discussion on it.
"The passing away of such a promising life is very saddening and unfortunate. As a mother myself I can feel the pain and anguish of the parents and today, I have come here to share their pain," she said while interacting with the mediapersons.
Special Judge Anil Antil of Rouse Avenue Court noted that the accused Ankur Aggarwal along with his family had absconded and concealed himself for about 15 years in Canada and even after coming to India, he remained elusive for about three years or so.
Addressing a press conference here to highlight the letter written by Majithia's wife and Majitha legislator Ganieve Kaur Majithia to the DGP along with a copy to chief minister Bhagwant Mann, senior SAD leaders Maheshinder Singh Grewal and Daljit Singh Cheema demanded the immediate removal of Sidhu from the additional charge of the ADGP, Prisons, besides taking other necessary action in the case.
