Operation Chakravyuh was a successful anti-narcotics initiative conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Cochin Unit. The operation resulted in the seizure of over 24 kg of illicit substances, including methaqualone, methamphetamine, and hashish oil. Five suspects were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985, successfully dismantling multiple trafficking pathways including passenger baggage, courier services, and export cargo.
Key Enforcement Details
- Agency: DRI (under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs).
- Legal Framework: Operations conducted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
- NDPS Act Provisions:
- Punishment: Severity is based on the quantity seized (small, intermediate, or commercial).
- Bail: Stringent conditions apply under Section 37.
- Authority: Officers (DRI, Customs, NCB) can search, seize, and arrest without warrants based on reasonable belief.
Institutional Framework for Drug Control
- Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB): Central nodal agency for drug law enforcement.
- DRI: Intelligence-led anti-smuggling at ports and borders.
- Border Security Force (BSF): Prevents cross-border drug infiltration.
- State Police: Handles grassroots enforcement and local investigations.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan: Launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for awareness and rehabilitation.
- SIMS: A national digital portal managed by the NCB to track drug seizure data.
- International Commitments: India is a signatory to the 1961 Single Convention, 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic.