Major Success for Operation 'Vajra': Consignment of 12 Crore Tramadol Tablets Seized; International Drug Smuggling Ring Busted
New Delhi: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), operating under the Department of Revenue (DoR), Ministry of Finance, has executed a major operation against international drug trafficking by seizing an illicit export consignment of 12 crore high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride (250 mg) tablets, weighing approximately 30 metric tonnes (30,000 kg). Three key accused have been arrested in connection with the case; one is a resident of Bengaluru, and two are from Kochi.
Preliminary investigations by the CBN revealed that while the consignment was officially declared as destined for Guinea-Bissau, its actual intended destination was Libya. The entire consignment was seized from a warehouse in Delhi, effectively intercepting it before it could reach the illicit international network.
This operation was conducted between July 10 and July 20, 2026, across Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kochi under the banner of "Operation Vajra." It was spearheaded by the preventive teams of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Gwalior, with significant support provided by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) units in Bengaluru and Kochi, alongside other agencies.
During the investigation, the CBN’s risk-based export control system flagged several suspicious indicators. Verification was subsequently carried out in coordination with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and relevant authorities in Guinea-Bissau. The probe confirmed that the destination listed in the export documents was false and that a conspiracy existed to illegally ship the consignment to Libya.
Following this, the CBN took action in Bengaluru and arrested the director of an LLP company under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation revealed that the entire network was being operated from Kerala. After sustained intelligence surveillance and technical analysis, two other key conspirators were arrested in Kochi. Action has been taken against all three accused under the NDPS Act, and the investigation into the matter is ongoing.
According to the CBN, this operation has successfully prevented the supply of large quantities of synthetic opioids to active conflict zones. The initiative is being hailed as an excellent example of risk-based profiling, international intelligence cooperation, and effective coordination among various law enforcement agencies.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics stated that it would continue to take sustained action against international drug trafficking networks while further strengthening India's robust regulatory framework. This operation marks a significant step towards reinforcing the Central Government's "Drug-Free India" campaign and its commitment to the safe and legitimate use of medicines.
