Operation White Cauldron & Operation Weed Out

Operation White Cauldron – Illegal Alprazolam Factory Busted:

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered a clandestine Alprazolam manufacturing unit in a remote area off State Highway 701, Valsad, Gujarat.
• The operation, codenamed “Operation White Cauldron,” led to the seizure of Alprazolam worth ₹22 crore.
• Four individuals, including the masterminds (financiers and manufacturers) and the intended recipient, were arrested.
• Preliminary investigation indicates that the illicit drug was destined for Telangana, allegedly for mixing with Toddy, posing serious public health risks.

Operation Weed Out – High-Grade Hydroponic Weed Seized:

• In a parallel enforcement action under “Operation Weed Out,” the DRI seized 42.34 kg of high-grade Hydroponic Weed from two passengers arriving from Bangkok at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA).
• The seized contraband is valued at approximately ₹42 crore in the illicit market.
• This marks a major success in DRI’s ongoing drive to combat international narcotics trafficking networks.

Enforcement Impact:

• Both operations underscore DRI’s enhanced intelligence-driven enforcement and its commitment to dismantling organized drug syndicates.
• The agency continues to strengthen India’s fight against narcotics smuggling through coordinated surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and targeted operations.

Source: PIB