NCB Busts Global Drug Cartel Spanning 10 Nations After Mandi House Arrest

• NCB conducts a major operation against drug trafficking.
• Eight individuals arrested linked to a global cartel.
• Operation Med Max has triggered international crackdowns.
• Arrests made in the US and Australia as part of the investigation.
• Controlled drugs were being distributed to multiple countries.

NCB Launches Operation Med Max Against Global Drug Network

On May 25, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully intercepted a vehicle in close proximity to Mandi House in Delhi, leading to the arrest of two BPharma students who were found in possession of 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets. This significant operation, referred to as Operation Med Max, marks an essential milestone for Indian law enforcement as they tackle a global drug cartel spanning 10 countries and four continents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that eight individuals were taken into custody, with further investigations prompting crackdowns in international jurisdictions including the United States and Australia.

Investigation Reveals Extensive Network of Drug Operations

The NCB detailed how the investigation unfolded in a rather complex manner. Following the arrest of the two students, who had been running an operation selling pharmaceuticals on a major Indian B2B platform, investigators traced the illicit activities back to various chemists in Roorkee and ultimately identified a key associate located in Mayur Vihar, Delhi. This associate’s connections led to the discovery of a significant contact in Udupi, Karnataka, who was orchestrating substantial bulk orders destined for the US. As the investigation progressed, NCB teams uncovered a veritable spider web of operations involving multiple reshippers that spanned several countries, illustrating the international nature of this drug distribution scheme.

International Drug Enforcement Yields Significant Results

It was revealed that these individuals operating as part of this drug cartel did not confine their transactions to within India. In fact, the cartel utilized a series of reshippers located in various nations who facilitated the onward shipping of the drugs to clients across the globe. In response to leads provided by the NCB, law enforcement agencies in the US were able to arrest a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama, seizing a significant shipment of controlled medications in the process. Meanwhile, stringent actions in Australia resulted in the closure of a clandestine pill manufacturing unit, signifying the far-reaching implications of the NCB’s bold moves against this cartel.

In summary, the NCB has made remarkable strides in tackling a vast global drug cartel that affects multiple countries. With the recent arrests and the significant seizures of controlled drugs, the operation underscores the importance of enhanced coordination among international law enforcement agencies. Home Minister Amit Shah expressed pride in the success of Operation Med Max, emphasizing the commitment to dismantling drug networks threatening communities worldwide.