Executive Summary
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) successfully executed "Operation Vajra" between July 10 and July 20, 2026, seizing 120 million (12 crore) Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets weighing approximately 30 metric tons. The operation involved coordinated enforcement in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kochi, resulting in the arrest of three key suspects under the NDPS Act, 1985. This intervention prevented the diversion of a massive consignment of synthetic opioids, ostensibly destined for Guinea-Bissau, into illicit international channels in Libya.
Key Points / Main Content
Seizure and Logistics
Contraband: 120 million high-strength (250 mg) Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets, commonly known as the "fighter drug."
Volume: The consignment weighed approximately 30,000 kg (30 metric tons).
Location: The entire shipment was intercepted and seized from a warehouse located in Delhi.
Intelligence and Investigation
Misrepresentation: While the cargo was officially destined for Guinea-Bissau, intelligence revealed the actual intended destination was Libya.
Verification: CBN coordinated with the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and Guinea-Bissau authorities to confirm the destination had been misrepresented.
Detection: The plot was uncovered through the CBN’s risk-based export control mechanism and intelligence-led profiling.
Enforcement Actions
Arrests: Three individuals were apprehended, including the Director of a Bengaluru-based Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) and two principal conspirators from Kochi, Kerala.
Legal Framework: All arrests and seizures were conducted under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Coordination: The operation was a collaborative effort between CBN Gwalior, DRI Bengaluru, DRI Kochi, and other national and international agencies.
Impact Analysis
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) and National AgenciesImpact
The operation validates the effectiveness of India’s risk-based profiling and inter-agency coordination in securing pharmaceutical supply chains.
Action Required
Maintain alert vigilance and continue the ongoing investigation to dismantle the remaining layers of the trafficking network.
Transnational Drug Trafficking NetworksImpact
Suffered a major financial and logistical blow with the loss of a 30-metric-ton consignment and the arrest of three key organizers.
Action Required
The accused individuals must undergo legal proceedings and prosecution under the NDPS Act, 1985.
International Law Enforcement and Regulatory Bodies (INCB/Guinea-Bissau)Impact
Strengthened international cooperation and highlighted the importance of verifying export declarations to prevent the diversion of controlled substances to conflict zones.
Action Required
Continue robust intelligence sharing and coordination with Indian authorities to safeguard the global supply chain.
Key Entities Referenced
Operation Vajra: The enforcement operation conducted by the Central Bureau of Narcotics to thwart the illegal trafficking and diversion of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: The primary legal framework under which the drug seizure was executed and the suspects were arrested.
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN): The agency under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, responsible for coordinating the operation and preventing illegal drug trafficking.
International Narcotics Control Board (INCB): The international monitoring body that collaborated with Indian authorities to establish the misrepresentation of the consignment's destination.
Nasha Mukt Bharat: The government's overarching vision and initiative for a drug-free India, providing the strategic context for this enforcement action.
Ministry of Finance
Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) India thwarts
illegal trafficking of 12 crore Tramadol
Hydrochloride, a.k.a. “fighter drug” tablets under
“Operation Vajra”
Entire consignment seized from a warehouse in Delhi; three
key suspects arrested from Bengaluru and Kochi
प्रव तथ: 20 JUL 2026 8:31PM by PIB Delhi
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 10th and 20th 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
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