Source: PIB
Context: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has seized 108.67 kg of hydroponic weed in less than 20 days under its ongoing “Operation Weed Out” across India.
About Operation Weed Out:
What It Is?
- A nationwide anti-drug enforcement drive targeting trafficking syndicates smuggling hydroponic cannabis into India.
Launched By: Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Ministry of Finance.
Objective:
- Curb the illegal inflow of hydroponic weed (high-potency cannabis) from Southeast Asia.
- Disrupt drug syndicates and prevent the circulation of narcotics in India.
- Support the government’s mission of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (Drug-Free India).
Key Features
- Intelligence-Driven Operations: Targeted interception based on specific intelligence inputs.
- Pan-India Coverage: Simultaneous crackdowns in airports and cities across the country.
- Multi-Agency Coordination: Cooperation with airport security, customs, and state police.
- Financial Trail Investigations: Seizure of drug money and identification of financiers/masterminds.
- Legal Action: Arrests under NDPS Act, 1985 with strict prosecution.
Significance:
- Protects Public Health: Prevents large-scale drug abuse, especially among youth.
- National Security: Disrupts international narco-networks that exploit India as a market.
- Economic Impact: Cuts off illegal proceeds fueling organized crime.
