In yet another action against narco trade, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ludhiana, has intercepted a parcel allegedly used to smuggle opium to the United States, recovering 735 grams of the banned substance concealed inside a quilt.

Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers traced the parcel booked from Ferozpur, Punjab and meant for California, USA. 

According to details shared by DRI, it's team intercepted parcel at the DHL Express facility in Dhandari Kalan, Ludhiana, where a detailed examination was carried out. 

During the search, officers found four packets of opium wrapped in carbon paper and transparent tape. The packets had been carefully hidden inside a small opening crafted inside a quilt, while the shipment was declared as household and food items.

The recovered contraband, valued at around ₹10.3 lakh in the illicit market, was seized under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. 

According to DRI, smugglers attempted to exploit courier services to push narcotics abroad by disguising them as everyday goods.

The agency has initiated further investigation to identify the individuals involved in the smuggling attempt and trace the network behind the international trafficking effort.