Operation Med-Max: NCB busts global pharma drug trafficking syndicate

In one of the most significant strikes against a tech-enabled pharma trafficking racket in recent times, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a global drug trafficking syndicate involved in smuggling controlled pharmaceutical drugs across four continents. According to a senior NCB officer, eight individuals have been arrested in India so far, including suspects from Delhi, Jaipur, and Udupi.

“The alleged kingpin, located in the UAE, coordinated finances and international shipments. Efforts are underway to trace additional members and financial links,” said the officer.

Code-named Operation Med-Max, the probe has exposed a sophisticated network using encrypted platforms, cryptocurrency payments, B2B websites, and anonymous drop shipping to move banned medicines from India to the US, Europe, and Australia.

The operation began with a vehicle interception near Mandi House, Delhi, on May 25, where 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets were recovered from two B Pharm graduates. Their interrogation led investigators to a stockist in Roorkee, a Delhi-based associate, and eventually a call centre in Udupi, Karnataka, which handled international order coordination. Data retrieved from Udupi revealed at least 50 consignments — 29 within the US, 18 within Australia, and others sent to Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland.

Acting on intelligence shared by NCB, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested a key re-shipper in Alabama and seized over 17,000 tablets. The sleuths also uncovered cryptocurrency wallets, active parcels, and indicted an Indian-American individual for money laundering. In Australia, a clandestine pill factory linked to the syndicate was dismantled.

Investigations revealed that the group operated through premium vendor profiles on Indian B2B platforms and accepted payments exclusively in cryptocurrency. Orders were routed through a well-structured network involving sales handlers, logistics coordinators, and international re-shippers, none of whom operated in their home countries. Repeat buyers were recruited as stockists to expand the network.

NCB, in a statement, said that the agency is now working with Interpol, foreign counterparts, and private platforms to curb the rise of illegal online pharmacies and block the digital infrastructure that supports such transnational crimes.

Delhi