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India-led probe uncovers global drug cartel
The operation, codenamed Operation Med-Max, has led to eight arrests in India and triggered enforcement actions in the United States and Australia.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 02, Jul 2025
- 16:50 EDT
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Narcotics Control Board of India / Wikipedia
In one of India's most significant cross-border crackdowns, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) dismantled a transnational pharmaceutical drug trafficking network spanning four continents and more than ten countries.
The operation, codenamed Operation Med-Max, resulted in eight arrests in India and spurred enforcement actions in the United States and Australia.
Also Read: Project Pelican: Record drug bust, transnational criminal network dismantled
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the NCB and its partner agencies for the success of the operation. “The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination,” Shah posted on X, adding that the “Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.”
Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel.
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 2, 2025
The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination, resulting in 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across…
The investigation began on May 25 with the interception of a vehicle near Delhi’s Mandi House, where officers seized 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets from two pharmacy graduates from a private university in Noida. Interrogations led authorities to a stockist in Roorkee and an associate in Mayur Vihar, Delhi. A key breakthrough came with the identification of a contact in Udupi, Karnataka, who managed bulk shipments to overseas clients.
The syndicate used encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, cryptocurrency transactions, anonymous drop shippers, and premium vendor listings on Indian B2B platforms. A call center operating out of Udupi, staffed by nearly a dozen individuals—some reportedly unaware of the illicit activities—handled customer interactions for buyers in the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
The NCB identified 50 suspicious consignments: 29 within the United States, 18 in Australia, and one each to Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland. This intelligence was shared with Interpol and international enforcement agencies.
Based on this input, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested Joel Hall, a bulk re-shipper based in Alabama, recovering over 17,000 tablets of controlled substances. Multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels were also seized. A key Indian-American individual, identified as the financial facilitator of the network, has been indicted by U.S. authorities.
In Australia, authorities dismantled an illegal pill-manufacturing facility linked to the cartel. Investigations in Europe and the UAE are ongoing. The kingpin—believed to be operating out of the UAE—has been identified, and NCB is coordinating with Emirati authorities to pursue further action.
The syndicate operated on a revenue-sharing model, with payments collected in cryptocurrency, routed through digital wallets, and distributed to supply chain handlers and international re-shippers after deducting commissions.
With eight arrests made in India, financial and cyber investigations continue to trace remaining operatives, seize assets, and dismantle the syndicate’s digital infrastructure. The NCB is also engaging private sector platforms to curb the proliferation of illegal online pharmacies marketing controlled substances.
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