The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), a unit of the Ministry of Finance, seized approximately 5.75 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine from a passenger travelling by train between Delhi and Bengaluru on 8–9 October 2026. The operation was conducted by the DRI’s Mangalore Regional Unit based on intelligence inputs. One person was arrested and sent to judicial custody after the seizure.
Key facts
- Quantity seized: 5.753 kg of white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine
- Location: Train from Delhi to Bengaluru
- Date of operation: 8–9 October 2026
- Number arrested: One Indian national
- Commercial quantity threshold for methamphetamine: 50 grams
- Applicable law: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- Punishment for this quantity: 10–20 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 1–2 lakhs
What is crystal methamphetamine
Crystal methamphetamine, also called crystal meth or ice, is a powerful synthetic drug that stimulates the central nervous system. It is highly addictive and causes significant physical and mental health damage when abused, including dependence and other serious medical consequences.
Legal status and penalties in India
Methamphetamine is classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985, India’s primary law governing controlled drugs. The Act makes it illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, purchase, transport, import or export the substance without authorisation.
Penalties under the NDPS Act depend on the quantity seized and the nature of the offence. The law recognises a “commercial quantity” threshold for each drug, set at 50 grams for methamphetamine. Any seizure above this amount is treated more seriously. In the case reported here, the seized quantity of 5.753 kg far exceeds this threshold, making the offence fall into a severe category attracting a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakhs.
How the operation unfolded
DRI officials conducting an intelligence-led operation checked the trolley bag of a passenger travelling by train from Delhi to Bengaluru. The search uncovered three packets containing the white crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine. The substance was seized under the powers granted by the NDPS Act, and the passenger was arrested and produced before the competent NDPS Court, which ordered judicial custody.
What this means for you
This seizure highlights that drug trafficking happens across India’s transport networks, including trains. Citizens should be aware that possession of even small quantities of methamphetamine attracts serious criminal penalties. If you are a student or young person, understanding these laws is important for competitive exams such as UPSC, state civil services, and other government recruitment tests that often include questions on Indian legislation.
The seizure also demonstrates the enforcement capacity of financial intelligence and revenue authorities in India. The DRI, which typically focuses on customs and revenue matters, is empowered to combat drug trafficking as part of its broader mandate to prevent smuggling and illegal movement of goods across borders and within the country.
The NDPS Act framework
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, distinguishes between consumption, small quantity possession, and trafficking offences. Penalties escalate based on the quantity involved. The Act aims to control the supply and misuse of drugs while also providing for de-addiction treatment. Understanding its provisions is relevant for law students, civil service aspirants and citizens dealing with legal matters.