In a shocking incident, a research scientist and his wife have been arrested by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). The duo were held with 231kg of amphetamine worth Rs 231 crore in the international market. The NCB conducted joint operations in Bengaluru and Hyderabad for 3 days. This led to complete one of the biggest seizures made by it.

According to the NCB, "Venkat Rama Rao (37), a research scientist working at a reputed firm. He was arrested on September 30, while in Hyderabad to collect the drug from an associate identified as Ravi Shankar Rao (22). Nearly 221kg of amphetamine was recovered from their possession. After the arrest, the NCB slueths found that more drug was stored at Venkat's home. When NCB reached his home in Bengaluru, his wife Preethi (35) was hiding 30gm of amphetamine, which was used as a sample for buyers. Rs 1.23 crore cash was also found in the house. She was then taken into custody."

NCB sources said "10kg more was recovered from a laboratory where the drug is said to have been processed. More persons are expected to be involved in the ring."

Amphetamine is a drug used mostly by youngsters as a stimulant. It is largely smuggled from India to southeast Asian and African countries. The drug is a psychotropic substance banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. A major inter-state drug network is at work in Hyderabad and Bengaluru, according to NCB officials.

The NCB said "investigation was on to find others involved in the racket."

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BY M. DIVYA SRI