Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 10: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled an organised network involved in the illicit manufacture of narcotic drugs in Maharashtra's Ambernath and foiled an attempt to export the substances to Nigeria with the arrest of three persons, an official said on Monday.
The DRI unearthed a unit manufacturing Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, a scheduled psychotropic substance, following a week-long intelligence-led operation, according to a statement.
The operation led to the arrest of three key accused, including the Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) holder/exporter, supplier-cum-coordinator and clandestine manufacturer of the Tramadol tablets.
The operation was part of the DRI's sustained crackdown on the illicit manufacture and transnational trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, the statement said.
The week-long operation resulted in the seizure of 1 lakh Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, 1 lakh Tapentadol tablets, machinery and raw materials allegedly used in the clandestine manufacture of psychotropic substances, besides the arrest of the three key members of the syndicate.
The case came to light on August 2, when DRI officers intercepted an export consignment at the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex destined for Nigeria.
The consignment had been declared as containing Pregabalin capsules (300 mg). However, a detailed examination led to the recovery and seizure of 1 lakh Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets of 250 mg, weighing approximately 25 kg, and 1 lakh Tapentadol tablets of 200 mg, weighing around 20 kg.
The tablets had allegedly been concealed inside the export consignment, the DRI said.
Investigations revealed that the Tramadol tablets had been clandestinely manufactured at a factory in Ambernath and packed in plain cartons to conceal their identity.
The consignments were subsequently transported to a warehouse near the Mumbai Air Cargo Complex, where they were repacked in white gunny bags and prepared for illegal export to Nigeria, according to the statement.
As part of a series of coordinated follow-up operations during the week, DRI officers conducted searches at multiple locations linked to the exporter, manufacturer, supplier, transporter and storage warehouse.
Searches at the manufacturing facility resulted in the seizure of tablet compression machinery and substantial quantities of raw materials allegedly intended for the clandestine manufacture of psychotropic substances, the statement said.
The DRI said Tramadol has been notified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Tapentadol, although not currently included in the Schedule to the NDPS Act, is strictly regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and rules framed under it, the statement said.
Tramadol and Tapentadol are synthetic opioid analgesics widely used under medical supervision to treat moderate to severe pain. Due to their potential for abuse and risk of dependence, both medicines are subject to stringent regulatory controls, the DRI said.
The agency added that the illicit manufacture, diversion and trafficking of such medicines pose a serious public health concern and are frequently linked to organised transnational drug trafficking networks.