Methamphetamine
Prelims:
Drug trafficking
Mains:
GS Paper III —
Internal Security
Current relevance:
The
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) foiled an attempt to illegally
export around 56 kg of methamphetamine from India to Saudi Arabia during
an intelligence-led operation conducted on 16–17 August 2026. The drug was
concealed by mixing it with maize in an export consignment at Nava
Sheva Port.
Highlights:
About Methamphetamine:
1.
Methamphetamine
(Meth) is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic stimulant that
affects the central nervous system. It falls within the broader category
of Amphetamine-Type Stimulants (ATS).
2.
It
can increase heart rate and cause hyperthermia, anxiety, insomnia and
psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations.
3.
Government
sources also associate its abuse with aggression, paranoia, addiction and
long-term neurological damage.
4.
It
is treated as a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 because of its high potential
for abuse.
5.
Pseudoephedrine
and ephedrine are
precursor chemicals that can be used in the illicit manufacture of
methamphetamine.
About Directorate of
Revenue Intelligence (DRI):
1.
The DRI is India’s apex
anti-smuggling agency and functions under the Central Board of Indirect
Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance,
Government of India.
2.
It
was constituted in 1957 to deal with smuggling-related intelligence
and coordinate anti-smuggling activities at the national level.
3.
Key
Functions:
·
Anti-smuggling: Detects and curbs smuggling of
contraband, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, arms,
wildlife products and other prohibited goods.
·
Intelligence: Undertakes the collection,
collation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence relating to
smuggling.
·
Investigation
& prosecution:
Conducts investigations, handles adjudication of cases and assists in the prosecution
of arrested persons.
·
Commercial
fraud: Combats commercial
fraud relating to international trade and evasion of Customs duty.
·
International
coordination: Maintains
liaison with foreign countries, Indian Missions and enforcement agencies
abroad on anti-smuggling matters.
·
National
security: Its
enforcement activities contribute to safeguarding India's economic interests
and national security.
Source:
PIB - https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2301288®=3&lang=1