Global drug syndicate busted in multi-agency crackdown led by NCB
New Delhi, Jul 2: In a major international operation, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating across four continents and more than 10 countries. The action has resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of multiple consignments, triggering enforcement action in the United States and Australia. The investigation began on May 25 with the interception of a vehicle near Mandi House in New Delhi. Two individuals, both pharmacy graduates, were found with 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets. Their interrogation led to the unravelling of a global network using encrypted messaging platforms, cryptocurrencies, and anonymous drop shipping methods to export controlled pharmaceuticals.
The syndicate operated a vendor profile on an Indian B2B platform, selling medicines primarily to clients in the US, Europe, and Australia. Leads from the case pointed to multiple locations, including a stockist in Roorkee, associates in Delhi and Karnataka, and a central coordination unit in Udupi. A database of 50 suspicious international consignments was recovered, including packages moved domestically within the US and Australia.
Intelligence was shared with global counterparts, leading to the arrest of a key re-shipper in Alabama, USA, and the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication. Authorities also discovered a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, which has since been dismantled. Further investigations in the US led to the recovery of additional parcels and digital assets tied to the cartel.
Home Minister Amit Shah in a message on X said, “Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations. Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.”
Digital forensics linked two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur to the logistics and supply chain. The financial operations of the network were highly structured, relying on cryptocurrency and hawala channels. An Indian-American money launderer has been indicted in the US, and international enforcement actions remain ongoing. The mastermind of the network has been traced to the UAE. Indian authorities are working with Emirati counterparts to pursue further legal action.
The operation revealed a well-organised structure involving a call centre in Udupi to manage online orders, payments through cryptocurrency, and a complex layering of logistics personnel to obscure the origins and destinations of illegal shipments. With cyber and financial investigations continuing, Indian agencies are coordinating with global partners and private digital platforms to curb the online trade of illegal pharmaceuticals.
