In a significant victory against drug trafficking, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully dismantled a massive drug diversion network operating across four Indian states. The operation, which spanned four months, led to the seizure of drugs valued at approximately ₹547 crore and the arrest of 15 individuals involved in the illicit trade.
This extensive crackdown was executed by the Amritsar Zonal Unit of the NCB, which meticulously tracked and uncovered the complex web of illegal diversion and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs. The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of licensed manufacturers and distributors using fake or non-operational firms to flood the market with psychotropic substances like Tramadol and Alprazolam, widely misused despite being prescription-only medications.
The operation uncovered that drugs were being produced by licensed pharmaceutical firms such as J R Pharmaceuticals in Haridwar, Uttarakhand and later funneled through dummy distributors and stockists located in Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, and Dehradun. One such distributor, Embit Bio Medix from Himachal Pradesh, had its license in Delhi revoked in 2022 but deceptively secured a new license to continue operations. The firm’s proprietor was apprehended while attempting to flee to Vietnam.
Raids conducted between April 20-21, 2025, led to significant seizures, including over 1.36 crore tablets, 11,693 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup, and nearly 3 kg of Tramadol powder. Shockingly, some of the firms involved, like Tiwari Medical Agency in Dehradun, turned out to be entirely fictitious, operating out of non-medical establishments like sweet shops, tailoring stores, or even roadside eateries. In one such raid, over 1.24 lakh Alprazolam tablets were recovered from a roadside dhaba.
This crackdown was triggered initially by an arrest in Amritsar, where a man impersonating a medical professional was caught with large quantities of prescription drugs. The arrest led to a cascading chain of investigations, arrests, and seizures, exposing a deep-rooted nexus between manufacturers, middlemen, and fake firms.
The NCB has since intensified its collaboration with various government bodies including the GST Department, State Drug Controllers, Income Tax Authorities, Central Bureau of Narcotics, and financial institutions to trace the full extent of the cartel’s reach. The cumulative seizures now stand at over 1.42 crore tablets, more than 9 lakh cough syrup bottles (weighing around 135 tons), and several kilograms of raw drug substances.
These developments reflect not just the scale of the drug menace but also the relentless efforts of the government and its agencies to eliminate it. While the arrests and seizures are commendable, the human cost of drug abuse continues to be a grave concern. The crackdown sends a strong message to those misusing India’s pharmaceutical sector for illegal gains.
Citizens are urged to join the fight against narcotics by reporting any suspicious activity via the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline at the toll-free number 1933. The battle against drugs is far from over, but with continued vigilance and public support, a drug-free Bharat is an achievable goal.