DRI seizes over 1 lakh bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup in two separate operations in Tripura and West Bengal; one person arrested

Why in news

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recently seized over 1.11 lakh bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup in two separate operations conducted in Tripura and West Bengal, leading to one arrest, as part of its efforts to curb drug trafficking.

Exam relevance

GS3, GS2 · Internal Security, Governance · Prelims · Mains

Key facts

1. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized over 1.11 lakh bottles of Codeine-based cough syrup in two separate operations.
2. The operations were conducted in Tripura and West Bengal.
3. The seizures were made under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
4. In one operation, 55,626 bottles were recovered from a train's parcel van bound for Agartala, concealed in metallic drums beneath a powdery substance.
5. This operation was carried out with the assistance of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Assam Rifles.
6. One person was arrested in connection with the train consignment.
7. In another operation, 56,225 bottles were recovered from a warehouse at Dankuni, West Bengal, concealed in sealed iron drums beneath a layer of china clay powder.

Prelims pointers

• Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is a premier intelligence and enforcement agency of India for anti-smuggling operations.
• The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, is the principal legislation for drug control in India.
• Codeine-based cough syrups are often misused as psychotropic substances.
• Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Assam Rifles assist in anti-drug trafficking operations, especially in border areas and railway networks.

Mains practice question

Analyze the challenges posed by pharmaceutical drug trafficking in India and discuss the role of various law enforcement agencies in combating this menace. (150 words)

Static linkage

The news highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to combat drug trafficking in India. It also underscores the legal framework provided by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, which governs the control and regulation of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. The involvement of Codeine-based cough syrup points to the issue of pharmaceutical drug abuse and diversion.

Significance

These operations signify the continuous vigilance and proactive measures taken by Indian law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug supply networks. The sophisticated methods of concealment indicate the challenges faced by authorities in detecting contraband and the need for advanced intelligence and inter-agency coordination. The seizure of pharmaceutical drugs like Codeine-based cough syrup highlights the growing problem of drug abuse and the diversion of legal substances for illicit purposes, impacting public health and national security.