DRI Arrests 3, Seizes 200,000 Illegal Tablets in Ambernath and Cargo Bust
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai zonal unit arrested three persons and busted an illicit manufacturing unit in Ambernath after seizing 200,000 psychotropic tablets destined for Nigeria. The week-long operation began on August 2 when officials intercepted the illicit export consignment at the Mumbai air cargo complex.
The arrested individuals include the exporter of the consignment, the supplier-cum-coordinator, and the manufacturer of the tramadol tablets. DRI officials confirmed the arrests and details of the operation on Monday following the week-long crackdown.
According to DRI officers, the seized consignment contained two distinct types of tablets with a combined weight of 45 kilograms. The haul included 100,000 tablets of tramadol hydrochloride, which is a scheduled substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The agency also seized 100,000 tablets of tapentadol, regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. DRI officials noted that both tramadol and tapentadol are synthetic opioid analgesics widely used under medical supervision for pain management.
The export consignment had been declared as containing routine prescription medication meant for treating general anxiety disorders, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. An examination of the shipment by DRI officers uncovered the illicit tramadol hydrochloride and tapentadol tablets concealed inside the export cartons.
Subsequent investigations revealed a well-organised supply chain behind the smuggling attempt. The DRI established that the tramadol tablets were clandestinely manufactured at a facility in Ambernath and packed into plain cartons to hide their identity.
The cartons were then transported to a warehouse located near the Mumbai air cargo complex, where they were repackaged into white gunny bags before attempting to ship them illegally to Nigeria.
The investigation led officers directly to the illicit factory in Ambernath on Saturday. Searches conducted at the facility resulted in the seizure of tablet compression machinery as well as substantial quantities of raw materials intended for manufacturing psychotropic drugs.
