Operation Chakravyuh, DRI Anti-Narcotics Operation in Kerala

Under Operation Chakravyuh, the Cochin Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted coordinated anti-narcotics operations in Kochi, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram, seizing significant quantities of methaqualone, methamphetamine and hashish oil intended for illicit trafficking.

About Operation Chakravyuh 

• Operation Chakravyuh is an intelligence-driven anti-narcotics operation conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to dismantle organised drug trafficking networks and intercept illicit drug supply chains in India.
• The operation recently led to the seizure of over 24 kg of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in Kerala across Kochi, Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram.
• The seized substances included methaqualone, methamphetamine and hashish oil, which were intended for illegal distribution within domestic drug networks.
• Five individuals, including key operatives of trafficking syndicates, were arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
• The contraband was detected through multiple smuggling channels including passenger baggage at airports, concealed courier consignments and outbound export cargo.
• The operation highlights the growing threat of synthetic drugs and the increasing complexity of organised transnational drug trafficking networks.
• It also demonstrates improved intelligence coordination and multi-agency enforcement aimed at dismantling entire trafficking ecosystems rather than isolated shipments.
• Operation Chakravyuh aligns with the national objective of achieving a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) through strengthened enforcement and demand reduction strategies.

About Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is India’s apex anti-smuggling and anti-narcotics intelligence agency.
• It functions under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.
• DRI is responsible for preventing smuggling, combating drug trafficking, curbing customs duty evasion and protecting India’s economic and border security interests.
• During the last financial year, the DRI’s Cochin Zonal Unit seized narcotics worth approximately ₹70.76 crore and arrested 21 persons in related NDPS cases across Kerala.

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Other Anti-Narcotics Operations

• Operation Crystal Fortress (NCB + Delhi Police): large methamphetamine cartel busted with ~328 kg drugs seized and multiple arrests.  
• Operation Crystal Break (DRI): mephedrone manufacturing unit busted in Madhya Pradesh with major precursor chemicals seized.  
• Operation Hinterland Brew (DRI): synthetic drug factory busted in rural Maharashtra, large-scale MD (mephedrone) recovery reported.  
• Operation Ragepill (NCB): first-ever seizure of Captagon tablets in India, linked to international drug trafficking networks.  
• Operation Garuda (CBI-led): multi-state crackdown on international drug networks with INTERPOL coordination.  
• Operation Eagle Force (NCB + State Police): nationwide cartel busted involving multiple coordinated raids and arrests.  
• Operation Thunder (Nagpur Police): long-term anti-drug drive leading to hundreds of arrests and NDPS cases.