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.

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SR/KMN