massive global drug trafficking network under Operation Med Max. The crackdown, led by the NCB with support from multiple national and international agencies, uncovered a pharma-smuggling cartel operating across four continents and over ten countries. Eight arrests were made, and 48 drug consignments were seized, triggering further action in the US and Australia.
Breakthrough from a Routine Vehicle Check
The operation began on May 25, when NCB officials conducted a routine check near Mandi House in Delhi. Two individuals carrying 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets were arrested. Both were pharmacy graduates who admitted to running an online drug operation through a vendor profile on an Indian B2B platform. This early lead opened the door to a much larger international network.
Key Arrests and Nationwide Links
Follow-up investigations led to major arrests in Roorkee, Delhi, and Udupi (Karnataka). A call centre in Udupi was found to be coordinating international orders. From the suspects’ digital records, authorities discovered details of 50 global shipments—29 to the US, 18 to Australia, and others to Spain, Estonia, and Switzerland. This information was shared with Interpol and other global enforcement agencies, triggering coordinated international crackdowns.
US and Australia Take Action
In the US, authorities arrested re-shipper Joel Hall in Alabama and seized over 17,000 tablets of controlled substances. Australian authorities dismantled an illegal pill-manufacturing facility connected to the same cartel. Five suspicious parcels with Zolpidem tablets were also intercepted in the US. The US Embassy in India expressed gratitude, stating that the operation helped protect American lives from illegal drugs.
Digital Tools and Crypto Payments Behind the Syndicate
The drug syndicate used advanced digital methods to operate under the radar. Orders were placed through B2B platforms using premium listings. Payments were made in cryptocurrency and routed through multiple commission layers to reach suppliers and re-shippers in different countries. The cartel also used encrypted apps and anonymous drop-shipping services to avoid detection.
Grooming Buyers into Logistics Partners
To scale operations, repeat buyers were gradually turned into logistics partners. These individuals helped expand the network further by acting as local handlers and couriers. This self-growing structure allowed the syndicate to maintain operations across continents with minimal visibility.
Kingpin Located in UAE, Global Coordination Underway
Authorities have identified the kingpin of the network, who is currently based in the UAE. Indian agencies are now working with UAE officials to ensure extradition and legal action. Meanwhile, financial and cyber investigations have intensified, with authorities tracking crypto wallets, encrypted communications, and hawala networks.
Praise for Multi-Agency Success
Amit Shah praised the NCB and supporting agencies for the success of Operation Med Max, calling it a strong example of coordinated action under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. The effort shows how global drug cartels can be countered through smart tech use, sharp policing, and international cooperation.
