Entire consignment seized from a warehouse in Delhi; three key suspects arrested from Bengaluru and Kochi

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), under the Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance, prevented illegal trafficking and diversion of export consignment comprising 120 million (12 crore) high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride (250 mg) tablets, weighing approximately 30 metric tons (30,000 kg), arrested three key persons, including one from Bengaluru and two from Kochi.

Preliminary investigation indicated that the consignment, ostensibly destined for Guinea-Bissau, appeared to be intended for diversion to Libya. The entire consignment was seized from a warehouse in Delhi, thereby preventing its diversion into illicit international channels.

The operation, codenamed “Operation Vajra”, was carried out by preventive teams of the Central Bureau of Narcotics, Gwalior, during the period between 10^th and 20^th July 2026 across Bengaluru, Delhi and Kochi, with effective and efficient coordination from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Bengaluru, DRI Kochi and others agencies.

Intelligence was gathered that 120 million (12 crore) Tramadol tablets destined for Guinea-Bissau are intended for diversion to Libya. During scrutiny under CBN's robust risk-based export control mechanism, multiple risk indicators were identified, prompting a detailed examination and coordination. Subsequent enquiries undertaken by CBN in coordination with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and the competent authorities of Guinea-Bissau established that the declared destination had been misrepresented, revealing an attempt to facilitate diversion of the consignment. 

Based on the findings of the examination, CBN conducted coordinated enforcement action in Bengaluru and arrested the Director of Bengaluru-based Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) firm under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation revealed that the principal conspirators were operating from Kerala. Despite repeated attempts to evade law enforcement, sustained intelligence gathering led to the apprehension of the remaining two key conspirators from Kochi. All three accused have been arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation is in progress.

The alert vigilance by CBN India successfully prevented a massive influx of illicit synthetic opioids into active conflict zones. This operation highlights, risk-based profiling and robust intelligence sharing between international law enforcement agencies and cooperation among National agencies to secure global pharmaceutical supply chains.

The successful execution of "Operation Vajra" underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-led enforcement, inter-agency coordination and international cooperation in combating transnational organised drug trafficking and reflects India's robust regulatory framework under the NDPS Act, 1985.

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) remains committed to safeguarding India's regulatory framework and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks in furtherance of the Government's vision of Nasha Mukt Bharat and safe use of drugs.

Risk-based export controls exposed alleged pharmaceutical diversion, prompting NDPS enforcement against transnational illicit opioid trafficking networks. Risk-based export controls and intelligence-led enforcement under the NDPS Act, 1985 addressed an alleged attempt to divert an export consignment of high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets into illicit international channels. Enquiries with the International Narcotics Control Board and competent authorities indicated that the declared destination had been misrepresented. The action involved seizure of the consignment and arrests of persons alleged to be connected with the export arrangement and conspiracy. The operation emphasises risk-based profiling, export-control scrutiny, intelligence sharing, and international coordination against pharmaceutical diversion and transnational drug trafficking.