DRI detects 72 hidden packets weighing 39.5 kg of suspected narcotic substance Heroin in Operation “Gear Box”

Source: The post is based on the article “DRI detects 72 hidden packets weighing 39.5 kg of suspected narcotic substance Heroin in Operation Gear Box” published in PIB on 12th September 2022.

What is the News?

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence(DRI) has launched operation ‘GearBox’ to stop heroin smuggling seizing 39.5 kg of contraband from Kolkata port.

What is Operation Gear Box?

Conducted by: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence(DRI)

Purpose: To detect the hidden drugs in the gearboxes.

The drug syndicate used to remove the gears from old and used gearboxes and plastic packets containing the narcotic substance were placed in them and gearboxes were refitted to avoid detection.

These packets were then shipped concealing inside this metal scrap with other metal scraps so that it would go unnoticed by the authorities.

India and Drug Abuse

According to a report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC), India is one of the major hubs of illicit drug trade ranging from age-old cannabis to newer prescription drugs like tramadol, and designer drugs like methamphetamine.

India lies in the middle of two major illicit opium production regions in the world, the Golden Crescent in the west and the Golden Triangle in the east which makes it a viable hub of the illicit drug trade.

– Golden Triangle: It includes the regions of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand and is Southeast Asia’s main opium-producing region.

– Golden Crescent: It includes Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan and is a principal global site for opium production and distribution.