Maharashtra: DRI seizes methaqualone worth Rs 50.65 crore; five held in Pune

The seized consignment. Pic/DRI sources

In a significant achievement, the Maharashtra's Pune Regional Unit of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully intercepted a Maruti Suzuki Swift car with Telangana registration on August 22, in Pune. Promptly acting on credible intelligence, this interception led to the discovery and confiscation of a substantial 101.31 kilograms of a suspected psychotropic substance, believed to be Methaqualone. The estimated value of this confiscation is around Rs. 50.65 Crores, the officials said on Friday.

"After a meticulous examination of the vehicle, authorities stumbled upon four plastic containers colored in blue, each containing a white crystalline material. Preliminary field tests expeditiously indicated the presence of Methaqualone - a potent psychotropic substance classified under the NDPS Act, 1985. Consequently, the vehicle, along with the alleged 101.31 kg of Methaqualone, was seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act," stated the officials.

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In a synchronized operation, law enforcement apprehended five individuals from various states - Telangana, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Haryana - under the stringent NDPS Act, 1985. These suspects are suspected to play pivotal roles in illicit activities, encompassing the illegal buying, selling, transportation, and potential export of psychotropic substances.

"This seizure raises concerns regarding the potential existence of a sprawling drug cartel operating across several Indian states, possibly even establishing international ties," added officials.

Furthermore, ongoing investigations suggest that the detained individuals might be integral to a broader network with tendrils stretching across national borders.