Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, on Wednesday lauded the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and associated enforcement agencies for dismantling a sprawling global drug cartel that trafficked controlled pharmaceutical substances across four continents using sophisticated digital methods.
In a post on the social media platform X, Shah said, “Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in eight arrests and seizures of five consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across four continents and more than ten nations. Our agencies are constantly monitoring sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led government is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.”
Operation MED MAX: From Delhi to Alabama
Dubbed Operation MED MAX, the NCB’s HQ Operations Unit led one of the most extensive crackdowns against the illegal pharmaceutical drug trade. The operation uncovered a syndicate that exploited encrypted communication platforms, drop-shipping models, and cryptocurrency transactions to move controlled medicines between India, the USA, Australia, and Europe.
The investigation began on May 25, 2025, when the NCB intercepted a vehicle near Mandi House in New Delhi, acting on confidential intelligence. Officers seized 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets from two occupants, both pharmacy graduates from a private university in Noida.
Their interrogation revealed that they operated as vendors on a major Indian B2B platform, selling pharmaceutical pills to clients overseas. Subsequent leads led investigators to a stockist in Roorkee and a key associate in Delhi’s Mayur Vihar, who disclosed connections to a coordinator in Udupi, Karnataka. This link revealed data on at least 50 international consignments, including 29 within the USA, 18 within Australia, and others bound for Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland.
Global Cooperation and Major Seizures
Based on intelligence provided by India’s NCB, global counterparts and Interpol tracked the syndicate’s operations. This led to the arrest of a major bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama, USA, by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA). The US operation resulted in the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication and multiple cryptocurrency wallets linked to the syndicate.
In parallel, law enforcement in Australia dismantled an illegal pill manufacturing facility directly connected to the network. Additional stockists and operatives are under scrutiny worldwide.
Sophisticated Network and Modus Operandi
Investigations revealed the cartel’s extensive use of encrypted messaging platforms such as Telegram and reliance on cryptocurrency, PayPal, and Western Union for payments. The network used anonymous international drop-shippers to evade detection, ensuring that operators never shipped within their home countries.
The syndicate’s operations were managed through a major B2B platform where handlers paid for premium vendor profiles to attract buyers. A dedicated call centre in Udupi, employing around ten staff members—many allegedly unaware of the illegal activities—handled customer queries and orders. Payments were processed in cryptocurrency, with commissions distributed down the supply chain to re-shippers in various countries.
Repeat buyers were systematically recruited as re-shippers or stockists, enabling the network’s organic expansion across multiple jurisdictions.
Kingpin Traced to UAE
The alleged mastermind coordinating the cartel’s international operations and finances has been traced to the UAE. Indian authorities are working closely with UAE officials to bring the individual to justice.
Ongoing Investigations
So far, eight individuals have been arrested in India in connection with the syndicate. The financial trail involving crypto wallets and suspected hawala transactions remains under investigation. The NCB is also coordinating with private sector platforms to curb illegal online pharmacies that openly market controlled substances.
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