As part of ‘Operation Vajra’, Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Madhya Pradesh Unit, has seized 8 spurious medicine/ illegal counterfeit medicine godowns and one illicit manufacturing facility operating in Gaya and Masaurhi (Patna), Bihar, — used for illegally manufacturing and storing narcotic drugs and other medicines.

It is another major breakthrough in the investigation of crime registered in 2025, an extensive follow-up operation has led to the busting of four illegal godowns in Gaya, Bihar, resulting in the seizure of 68,200 Tramadol tablets, 59,000 other tablets, and 52,542 bottles of Codeine syrup.

Based on sustained investigation and technical as well as human intelligence gathering, the CBN successfully arrested the main accused on 22 July 2026. The arrest yielded vital leads, paving the way for an extensive follow-up operation.

Between 16^th and 27^th July 2026, the Preventive Section of the CBN MP Unit, Neemuch carried out intensive surveillance and field operations across Bihar. During the investigation, it was revealed that the absconding accused had resumed operating illegal godowns in the Khanjahanpur area of Gaya for stocking illicitly manufactured narcotic drugs and other spurious medicine. After maintaining discreet surveillance over his movements for several days, the CBN team successfully apprehended him.

Based on the disclosures made by the accused, the CBN team searched two unregistered and unauthorised godowns and recovered 21,373 unauthorised manufactured Buprenorphine injection ampoules. The searches also resulted in the seizure of a huge quantity of counterfeit and spurious manufactured non-NDPS medicines, including Clavam-625, PAN-40, Betadine Ointment, Azithral, and several other pharmaceutical preparations.

Subsequent follow-up operations, conducted with the assistance of the local police, led to the identification of six more unregistered and unauthorised godowns located in different parts of the city. From these premises substantial quantities of counterfeit and unauthorisedly stocked non-NDPS medicines were found. The seized stock and the sealed godowns were handed over to the State Drug Administration of Bihar, for further legal action.

Based on information provided by the CBN, the State Drug Department seized the following quantities of non-NDPS counterfeit medicines from the illegal godowns:

* Tablets/Capsules – 439,774

* Injections/Vials/Ampoules – 1,895

* Syrups/Bottles – 3,811

* Other pharmaceutical preparations (Lotions/Tubes/Drops, etc.) – 3,490

During sustained examination, the suspects further disclosed that one of his associates arrested earlier had established an illicit manufacturing unit at a farmhouse near Masaurhi, Patna, where machinery and equipment were being used for the illicit manufacturing of Buprenorphine and other narcotic drugs. Acting promptly on this information, the CBN team, with the assistance of the local police, officials of the State Drug Department, and the Food Department, conducted a joint search at the premises. The search led to the recovery of various manufacturing machinery, equipment, chemicals, and artificial flavouring agents. The entire illicit manufacturing unit was dismantled, and all machinery, equipment, and related materials were seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

The investigation has also revealed the modus operandi adopted by the syndicate. The accused rented premises in low-income localities without executing tenancy agreements, made rental payments in cash to avoid creating any digital trail, and used mobile connections obtained through forged identity documents to evade law enforcement agencies.

In the current calendar year, CBN MP Unit has booked 90 cases, including 3 illicit lab busts and arrested 121 suspects till date. The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) reiterates its unwavering commitment to dismantling organized drug trafficking syndicates and ensuring strict enforcement of the law against those involved in the illicit manufacture, storage, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and making a safe use of drugs in India.

Counterfeit drug enforcement targets illicit manufacture, storage and trafficking networks, with coordinated seizures and referral of non-narcotic stock. Counterfeit-drug enforcement under Operation Vajra addressed an inter-state network involved in the illicit manufacture, storage and distribution of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and spurious pharmaceutical products. Searches of unregistered godowns recovered narcotic products, unauthorisedly manufactured Buprenorphine injection ampoules, and counterfeit non-NDPS medicines. A farmhouse-based illicit manufacturing facility was dismantled, with machinery, chemicals and related materials seized under the NDPS Act, 1985.