DRI Seizes 12 kg Opium From Ludhiana Hidden In Parcels Bound For US, Canada

DRI seizes over 12 kg of opium hidden in parcels sent to the US and Canada during a raid in Ludhiana. Further investigation is underway to identify those involved in the smuggling network.

By : Ritwik Dutta | Updated at : 01 Feb 2026 08:46 PM (IST)

Ludhiana-dri-seizes-opium-parcels-us-canada DRI Seizes 12 kg Opium From Ludhiana Hidden In Parcels Bound For US, Canada

A total of 30 packets of opium were recovered and seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Source : ANI

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Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Friday conducted a raid at a courier office in Ludhiana district of Punjab and seized a large consignment of narcotics concealed in export parcels. During the operation, DRI officials recovered 12.118 kilograms of opium, estimated to be worth approximately ₹60.59 lakh in the international market. The contraband was found in seven parcels that were being shipped to the United States and Canada. According to officials, the drugs were cleverly concealed inside household items, including utensils and adult diaper pads, in an attempt to evade detection.

Opium Hidden In Courier Parcels

The parcels were initially flagged as suspicious during scanning by officers of the DRI Ludhiana Zonal Unit. On opening the consignments, officers found the opium packed in multiple layers and hidden within everyday items to disguise the illegal shipment as legitimate household exports. A total of 30 packets of opium were recovered and seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985 on January 31, 2026. Further investigation is underway to identify those involved in the smuggling network. Officials said they are examining the records of the courier office and scrutinising past export data to trace earlier consignments and establish supply routes. Efforts are also on to identify the timing and frequency of drug shipments made through courier parcels.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was seized during the raid in Ludhiana?

DRI officials seized 12.118 kilograms of opium, valued at approximately ₹60.59 lakh, hidden in export parcels.

How were the narcotics concealed?

The opium was cleverly concealed within household items like utensils and adult diaper pads, packed in multiple layers to avoid detection.

Where were the seized parcels destined?

The seven parcels containing the opium were being shipped to the United States and Canada.

What action has been taken regarding the seizure?

The opium was seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and a further investigation is underway to identify those involved.

About the author Ritwik Dutta

Ritwik Dutta is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, who blends an engineer’s precision with a reporter’s instinct. With a background in data and analytics, he delivers evidence-driven, real-time coverage of key national and global developments, breaking down complex subjects into clear, engaging stories that make information more accessible and strengthen public understanding.

For tips and queries, write to ritwikd@abpnetwork.com.