NCB Takes Down International Drug Cartel Spanning 10 Nations

• NCB busts a global drug cartel spanning 10 countries.
• Two BPharma students arrested with 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets.
• Operation Med Max led to arrests and crackdowns in multiple countries.
• International agencies collaborated to tackle the drug ring across continents.
• The use of cryptocurrency and encrypted communications was common among traffickers.

Major Drug Cartel Dismantled in International Operation

On May 25, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) conducted a significant operation in Delhi, resulting in the arrest of two BPharma students who were found with 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets. This marked the beginning of a broader probe dubbed Operation Med Max. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the operation has led to the dismantling of a complex global drug cartel spanning 10 nations and triggering simultaneous crackdowns in the United States and Australia.

Investigation Leads to International Connections

The investigation began with the interception of a vehicle near Mandi House in Delhi, where the two arrested students confessed to running a vendor profile on an Indian B2B platform. They were reportedly selling controlled pharmaceutical pills internationally, servicing clients in the US, Europe, and Australia. This revelation sparked further inquiry, which identified two chemists in Roorkee and a key associate in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, who was linked to a contact in Udupi, Karnataka, who orchestrated large orders for onward shipping to the United States.

Sophisticated Techniques Uncovered in Drug Operations

Evidence collected in Udupi indicated that these Indian nationals managed to ship 29 packages to the US, along with other deliveries to countries including Australia, Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland. This prompted involvement from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Interpol, and Australian authorities. An NCB official highlighted the gang’s sophisticated methods of coordination, using encrypted communications and cryptocurrency to elude law enforcement. Moreover, Australia’s authorities have dismantled a clandestine drug manufacturing facility that was reportedly producing similar controlled substances.

Government’s Commitment to Fight Drug Cartels

Minister Amit Shah took to X to commend the coordination among various agencies that led to eight arrests and seized consignments, stating that the government is fully committed to dismantling drug cartels that threaten young people’s lives. He emphasized ongoing efforts to monitor sophisticated methods such as cryptocurrency transactions and the use of anonymous shipping. In response to his announcement, the US embassy in India expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts in combating illegal drug activities that endanger lives.

The NCB’s operation illustrates the extensive reach of international drug trafficking networks and highlights the commitment of Indian authorities to combat these threats. With successful international cooperation, this operation not only led to crucial arrests but also unveiled complex logistics that support these illegal activities. The ongoing vigilance by Indian agencies against evolving drug trafficking strategies shows a determined stance to protect public health and safety.