DRI Nagpur Intercepts Mumbai Woman with Cocaine Worth ₹4 Crore on Rajdhani Express
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Nagpur regional unit has seized cocaine valued at over ₹4 crore and arrested a Mumbai-based woman traveling on the Hazrat Nizamuddin–Bengaluru Rajdhani Express. The incident occurred on April 12, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region.
Operation Details and Seizure
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials boarded the train at Nagpur railway station and intercepted the passenger, who is suspected to be linked to a narcotics network operating from Mumbai. The woman was asked to deboard at Ajni railway station for further investigation.
A thorough search of her luggage revealed two shampoo bottles that were unusually heavy. Upon inspection, officers drained the liquid and discovered 50 sealed yellow capsules filled with cocaine. The total seizure amounted to 853 grams of the illicit substance, underscoring the sophisticated methods employed by traffickers.
Nagpur's Role as a Narcotics Transit Hub
This bust underscores Nagpur's growing vulnerability as a key transit route for narcotics. Traffickers are increasingly using the city to move drugs to major markets such as Mumbai, Pune, and Bengaluru. The use of personal care products like shampoo bottles for concealment reflects a trend toward more advanced smuggling techniques.
In a related development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai zonal unit recently seized 210 kg of ganja worth approximately ₹20 crore in Pardi, arresting four individuals. This highlights the broader challenges in curbing drug trafficking across Maharashtra.
Recent DRI Nagpur Operations
Over the past few months, DRI Nagpur has been active in cracking down on narcotics networks. Key operations include:
- Seizure of 128 kg of mephedrone from a Wardha factory in December 2025.
- Recovery of 522 kg of ganja at Bhagemari toll plaza in January 2026.
- Confiscation of 729 kg of ganja in a case linked to Bhilai in February 2026.
- Seizure of 4.9 kg of mephedrone in Amravati during the same month.
Officials note that traffickers are adopting increasingly sophisticated concealment techniques, ranging from capsules hidden in everyday items to specially designed compartments in transport vehicles. These methods pose significant challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Implications and Future Efforts
The arrest and seizure emphasize the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in India. DRI and other agencies are ramping up surveillance and intelligence operations to disrupt networks and prevent the flow of narcotics through key transit points like Nagpur. Public awareness and cooperation are also crucial in combating this menace.
