New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) seized 12 crore high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets under Operation Vajra. Officers also arrested three key suspects during coordinated raids in Bengaluru, Kochi and Delhi.
The seized consignment weighed about 30 metric tonnes. CBN recovered it from a warehouse in Delhi before it could enter illegal international supply chains.
The operation took place between July 10 and July 20. CBN’s preventive teams from Gwalior led the action. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) units in Bengaluru and Kochi supported the operation. Other agencies also assisted the investigation.
Officials said the shipment was declared for Guinea-Bissau. However, preliminary findings suggested the consignment was meant for diversion to Libya. CBN detected multiple risk indicators during export scrutiny. As a result, officers launched a detailed investigation.
Operation Vajra uncovers international trafficking network
CBN worked with the International Narcotics Control Board and authorities in Guinea-Bissau. Subsequently, investigators confirmed that the declared export destination had been misrepresented. The findings exposed an attempt to divert the Tramadol tablets into illicit channels.
Following the inquiry, CBN arrested the director of a Bengaluru-based limited liability partnership under the NDPS Act, 1985. Later, investigators traced two more key conspirators to Kochi. Despite repeated attempts to evade authorities, both suspects were arrested. Further investigation is underway.
Moreover, CBN said the operation prevented a massive shipment of synthetic opioids from reaching conflict zones. The agency credited intelligence-led enforcement, risk-based profiling and close coordination with national and international agencies for the success of Operation Vajra.
Finally, CBN said it would continue strengthening India’s regulatory framework and dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks in support of the Government’s vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat.
