New Delhi: In a significant operation that has drawn praise from Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully dismantled a massive drug diversion network, seizing narcotics worth ₹547 crore.

The operation spanned four states and has resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals, with a wide-reaching impact on illegal pharmaceutical trade. Amit Shah called the operation a giant step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a drug-free India.

Operation Overview:

The operation, which has come to the public’s attention as a decisive blow against drug cartels, was led by the Amritsar Zonal Unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). Spanning four months, the investigation targeted an extensive network operating across Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The seized drugs include over 1.42 crore psychotropic tablets, approximately 9 lakh bottles of codeine-based cough syrup (CBCS), and 2.9 kg of tramadol powder. This unprecedented seizure is valued at ₹547 crore, highlighting the operation's magnitude.

Breakthroughs and investigations:

The operation kicked off when the NCB intercepted an individual in Amritsar posing as a medical professional, who was found in possession of thousands of psychotropic drugs. This initial catch set off a chain of follow-up arrests and raids that revealed the vast scale of the illicit drug diversion. Investigators uncovered several fake companies and medical agencies acting as fronts for the distribution of pharmaceutical drugs for non-medical purposes.

Among the key discoveries were the operations of Embit Bio Medix in Himachal Pradesh, where 19.25 lakh tablets were seized. The proprietor, who was previously operating in Delhi, had his drug licence revoked in 2022. He continued his illegal operations in Himachal under a new business, which led to his arrest at Delhi’s IGI Airport while attempting to flee to Vietnam.

Further raids targeted companies like J R Pharmaceuticals in Uttarakhand, leading to the seizure of additional drugs, including 16,860 tramadol tablets and 8.89 lakh CBCS bottles. Fake stockist firms such as Tiwari Medical Agency, which was actually a sweet shop, were also exposed during these operations.

Praise and impact

In response to the success of the operation, Amit Shah took to social media to commend the NCB’s efforts. "Bharat is axing down drug cartels with ruthless aggression," he tweeted, adding that this operation was a giant stride toward building a drug-free India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. Shah highlighted that the dismantling of the drug cartel was a crucial part of the government's continued push to fight the menace of narcotics in India.

While the central government’s emphasis on a drug-free India has been prominent, this operation also underscores the complex and deep-rooted nature of the narcotics trade that extends beyond national borders. The NCB has worked in coordination with various government agencies, including GST authorities, income tax officials, and banks, to track the network’s financials and further the investigation.

Looking ahead

The operation is still ongoing, with authorities expecting further seizures and arrests in the coming weeks as investigations into the drug network continue. The NCB has urged citizens to report information related to drug trafficking through the National Narcotics Helpline, which is part of a broader effort to eliminate drug cartels from the country.

The ₹547 crore drug bust serves as a reminder of the scale of the problem and the continued vigilance required to combat illegal drug trafficking in India.