The Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC) has highlighted its recent efforts in international collaboration and domestic enforcement against illegal drugs. The National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics (NACIN) in Palasamudram recently hosted a two-week training program on “Countering Illegal Drug Trafficking” for 42 officers from 20 countries, covering legal frameworks, operational strategies, and technology. Complementing this, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted two significant operations. One operation targeted a syndicate smuggling hydroponic weed, resulting in the seizure of over 72 kg of the drug, valued at ₹72 crore, and six arrests. The other operation in Andhra Pradesh dismantled a syndicate illicitly manufacturing Alprazolam, leading to the seizure of 119.4 kg of the drug, along with raw materials, and the arrest of eight individuals. These operations highlight the persistent efforts to disrupt organized drug trafficking networks. The newsletter also acknowledged the sporting achievements of three CBIC officers—Manish Kaurav, Prachi Yadav, and Aman Kumar—who won several medals at international sports championships, including the Asian Paracanoe and South Asian Karate Championships.
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs
25th August, 2025
DO No. 34/News Letter/CH(IC)/2025
Dear Colleague,
Last week, NACIN Palasamudram inaugurated a two-week training programme on “Countering Illegal Drug Traffickin’ under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. The course brought together 42 officers from 20 countries including India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, representing Customs, Police, Judiciary, and Drug Rehabilitation agencies. Covering legal frameworks, trafficking trends, operational strategies, technology, and ethics, the programme reflects CBIC’s commitment to international cooperation and capacity building, while showcasing India’s role as a trusted partner in sharing expertise and best practices with the global community.
While NACIN’s training initiatives focus on building global capacity to combat drug trafficking, these efforts are being actively supplemented on the ground by robust enforcement actions. Recently, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has executed two meticulously coordinated operations against illegal drugs. Together, these operations demonstrate DRI’s commitment to safeguarding society by striking at the roots of organised drug trafficking.
One of the operation was targeted against a syndicate engaged in smuggling hydroponic weed into the country. Simultaneous interceptions at Bengaluru and Bhopal railway stations led to the recovery of nearly 54 kg of hydroponic weed from 4 passengers. In swift follow-ups, the associate mastermind was apprehended in New Delhi with drug proceeds of about Rs. 1 crore, while another carrier arriving from Thailand was intercepted in Bengaluru with 17.958 kg of hydroponic weed. In total, 72.024 kg of hydroponic weed worth around Rs. 72 crore were seized, with six arrests. The operation also exposed the syndicate’s attempts to lure vulnerable youth through social media.
In the other operation, DRI officers from Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Kakinada busted an organised syndicate clandestinely manufacturing Alprazolam in Andhra Pradesh. The operation led to the seizure of 119.4 kg of Alprazolam valued at about Rs. 23.88 crore, along with 3,600 litres in liquid form and 311.6 kg in solid form of illegally procured raw materials, raw inputs, and equipment from a facility in Anakapalli District. Eight individuals, including the mastermind, chemists, financiers and buyers, were arrested. Investigations revealed that the syndicate members – many with a history of serious criminal offences – had conspired to undertake the illicit activity after networking in jail. The seized Alprazolam was intended for adulterating Toddy in Telangana, highlighting the grave risks posed by such organised drug networks.
It is a matter of immense pride for CBIC that Shri Manish Kaurav and Ms. Prachi Yadav, both posted as Havaldars at Audit Commissionerate, Bhopal, and Shri Aman Kumar, Havaldar posted at CGST Bhopal Commissionerate, have brought laurels to the nation and the department through their outstanding sporting accomplishments. At the Asian Paracanoe Championship held in Thailand this year, Ms. Yadav delivered a stellar performance, securing three Gold medals and one Silver medal, while Shri Kaurav distinguished himself by winning a Silver and a Bronze medal. Adding to this glory, Shri Aman made the department proud by winning a Gold medal in the “Senior Male Team Kumite” event at the Cadet, Junior, U21 86 Senior South Asian Karate Championship held in Sri Lanka. These remarkable achievements are a shining example of how commitment to professional duty can go hand in hand with excellence in sports. The efforts of Bhopal Zone in encouraging and supporting its officers in their sporting pursuits deserve special appreciation.
Till next week!
Yours sincerely,
(Sanjay Kumar Agarwal)
All Officers and Staff of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes 86 Customs.
