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Hindustan Times
14 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Drug cartel spanning 10 nations busted by NCB after Mandi House arrest
Union home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the NCB (Narcotics Control Bureau) has busted a global drug cartel, arrested eight people and triggered crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across four continents and 10 countries. Joel Hall, a major re-shipper, was arrested, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication. (HT PHOTO) Operation Med Max by the NCB that began in New Delhi's Mandi House nearly a month and a half ago, led to one suspect in the US, the bust of illegal factories in Australia, an illegal call centre in Udupi, and the identification of a money launderer in the US as well as a UAE-based kingpin. Explaining the investigation trail, a home ministry spokesperson said that on May 25, the agency's operations unit intercepted a car near Mandi House (Bengali Market) in Delhi in which two BPharma students were arrested with 3.7kg of Tramadol tablets. Tramadol has been notified as a drug under the NDPS Act by the finance ministry in April 2018. Also Read | Mumbai Metropolitan Region: From transit zone to drug-manufacturing hub 'The arrested individuals confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across the US, Europe, and Australia. Leads from the interrogation led to two chemists in Roorkee, followed by the arrest of a key associate in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, who revealed connections with a contact in Udupi (Karnataka) responsible for organising bulk orders for shipments to the US,' a spokesperson said. In Udupi, the NCB team found a data trail of these Indian nationals managing deliveries – 29 packages to the US, 18 from Australia and 1 each to be sent to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland – following which the DEA, Interpol and Australian authorities were roped in. One NCB official, who asked not to be named, said, 'This gang did not ship the medicines within India. They had multiple reshippers in different countries. These reshippers after receiving the controlled drug shipped it within their countries. We are probing the sources of the tablets in India.' Also Read | STF busts ₹ 1.20 cr cancer-drug smuggling racket in Lucknow, three held A PIB statement said that acting on NCB's information the US DEA tracked the data trail of the US consignment and arrested a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama along with a massive haul of controlled medicines. The syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms such as Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection. In Australia, authorities dismantled a clandestine pill manufacturing unit. 'Controlled drugs such as Tramadol and others were being manufactured there too. Their Indian counterparts were taking orders in bulk and coordinating with the owner for supply within Australia,' the NCB officer said. Home minister Amit Shah said on X, 'Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. 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 4 continents and 10+ nations. Our agencies are constantly monitoring sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji-led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.' Also Read | 114 smugglers arrested, over 4 kg drugs seized in Punjab's 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign Replying to Shah's post, the US embassy in India said, 'Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives.'
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Vehicle Check Leads To Global Racket
New Delhi: What began with a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in central Delhi unravelled into a massive crackdown on a transnational drug trafficking syndicate. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled the network, which used encrypted digital platforms, drop-shipping models and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents. The operation exposed a sophisticated criminal web operating across India, the US, Australia and Europe, showcasing both the global reach of illicit pharma networks and NCB's capability to lead coordinated international enforcement actions. Union home minister Amit Shah took to X to appreciate the operation, which led to eight arrests and massive seizures of drugs. "Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. The probe set a stellar example of multi-agency coordination. 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 4 continents and 10+ nations. " You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi "PM Modi led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from," he posted on X. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo The operation, codenamed "Med-Max", uncovered a global network spanning over 10 countries and four continents. NCB's action led to a connected arrest by the US DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) in Alabama as well. The investigation began on May 25 this year when the NCB HQ Ops team intercepted a car near Mandi House in Delhi, seizing 3.7kg of Tramadol tablets from the possession of two B. Pharma graduates from a reputed private university in Noida. "The arrested persons confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, selling pharmaceutical pills to clients across the US, Europe, and Australia," said a senior official. Further investigation led to the arrest of a key associate in Mayur Vihar, who revealed connections with a contact in Udupi, Karnataka, responsible for organising bulk orders for shipments to the US. From Udupi, NCB uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including packages sent to the US, Australia, Estonia, Spain and Switzerland. The information was shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama by the US DEA. The operation there resulted in the seizure of more than 17,000 tablets of controlled medication and the recovery of about 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets. "The syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms like Telegram and relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal and Western Union to evade detection. Further digital forensics led to the arrests of two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations," the senior NCB official added. The kingpin, who coordinated international linkages and finances, has been identified and located in the UAE, and NCB is actively working with the authorities in that country to bust the racket. The investigation also revealed the existence of a clandestine pill-manufacturing facility in Australia, directly tied to the syndicate, which has been dismantled by local law enforcement. Operations in other jurisdictions are still ongoing, officials said. "The modus operandi of the network involved a sophisticated global operation, with the mastermind operating out of the UAE, orchestrating both the orders and supply modules with a high level of coordination and compartmentalisation," said an investigator. The orders module functioned through a major B2B platform, and the group ran a fully functional call centre based in Udupi to manage incoming sales leads. With eight arrests so far, the financial trail involving crypto wallets and hawala channels is under investigation. NCB is also engaging with private sector platforms to counter the proliferation of illegal online pharmacies that openly advertise the sale of controlled medicines, another official said.
India Gazette
an hour ago
- India Gazette
NCB busts global drug cartel, 8 arrested
New Delhi [India], July 3 (ANI):Union Home Minister Amit Shah has congratulated the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from, an official statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said. In a post on 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 8 arrests and seizures of 5 consignments while triggering crackdowns in the US and Australia against the ring that operates across 4 continents and 10+ nations. Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Narendra Modi -led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.' In one of the most far-reaching crackdowns against the illegal pharmaceutical drug trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), HQ Operations Unit, has successfully dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents. What began with a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in New Delhi unravelled into a sophisticated criminal web operating across India, the USA, Australia, and Europe -- showcasing the global reach of illicit pharma networks and NCB's capability to lead coordinated international enforcement actions. This operation uncovered a global network spanning 04 continents and more than 10 countries. On May 25, acting on secret intelligence, the NCB HQ Ops team intercepted a car near Mandi House in Delhi. From the possession of its two occupants--both B. Pharma graduates from a reputed private university in Noida--3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets were seized. The arrested individuals confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across the USA, Europe, and Australia. Leads from the interrogation led to a stockist in Roorkee, followed by the arrest of a key associate in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, who revealed connections with a contact in Udupi (Karnataka) responsible for organising bulk orders for shipments to the USA. From Udupi, NCB uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including 29 packages from the USA to the USA, 18 from Australia to Australia and one each to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland. The information was further shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama, USA by the US DEA, along with a massive haul of controlled medicines. As per the official statement, the syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, and Western Union, and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection. Further digital forensics led to the arrests of two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations. The operators never shipped in their home countries and coordinated through Other Drop-shippers in the network to avoid legal consequences. The kingpin, who coordinated international linkages and finances, has been identified and located in the UAE. NCB is actively working in collaboration with UAE authorities. Investigations further revealed the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly tied to the syndicate. Law enforcement in Australia has successfully dismantled this unit. Operations in other jurisdictions are still ongoing. In a significant development stemming from intelligence shared by India's Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) has apprehended a key player in an international drug trafficking network. Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication. During the crackdown, authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. Investigative and enforcement actions concerning these digital assets and parcels are actively ongoing. Adding to the breakthrough, an Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the United States, marking a critical step in dismantling the financial backbone of this illegal enterprise. In parallel, the US DEA has successfully intercepted five parcels, resulting in the recovery of approximately 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets, a commonly misused sedative. Investigations have revealed that the mastermind of this international drug trafficking network was operating out of the UAE, orchestrating both the orders and supply modules with a high level of coordination and compartmentalisation. The orders module functioned through a major B2B platform, where the handlers subscribed to premium vendor categories to enhance visibility and attract potential buyers. To manage incoming sales leads, the group ran a fully functional call center based in Udupi, employing around 10 staff members--many of whom were reportedly unaware of the illicit nature of the operation. Once orders were confirmed, advance payments were collected in cryptocurrency, which were then routed to the supply module operators after deducting a 10-15 per cent commission. The supply module, in turn, retained a further 10 per cent before disbursing payments to reshippers located in designated countries, who handled the final delivery of the controlled substances. In a calculated move to expand operations, repeat buyers were groomed and recruited as re-shippers or stockists, helping the network grow organically across borders. Multiple such stockists have already been identified by our international counterparts, and actions against them are actively underway, the statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs said. This intricate network showcases the growing convergence of digital platforms, cryptocurrency, and transnational logistics in modern illicit trade--and highlights the importance of global cooperation and intelligence-sharing in combating such operations. With 8 arrests so far, the financial trail involving crypto wallets and hawala channels is under investigation. NCB is also engaging with private sector platforms to counter the proliferation of illegal online pharmacies that openly advertise the sale of controlled medicines. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 hours ago
- India Gazette
Operation Med Max: NCB dismantles global drug trafficking cartel operating across 4 continents
New Delhi [India], July 2 (ANI): In one of the most far-reaching crackdowns against the illegal pharmaceutical drug trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in close coordination with other agencies dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate that used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines across four continents. The cartel was busted during a routine vehicle interception near Bengali Market in New Delhi, unravelling a sophisticated criminal web operating across India, the United States of America, Australia, and Europe, showcasing the global reach of illicit pharma networks and NCB's capability to lead coordinated international enforcement actions. 'This operation uncovered a global network spanning four continents and more than 10 countries,' said the Ministry of Home Affairs in a statement. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel and said 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. In a post on the X, Shah wrote, 'Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. 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 4 continents and 10+ nations. Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji-led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.' The investigation trail started from Delhi in May and reached Alabama, a southeastern US state. On May 25 this year, acting on secret intelligence, the NCB team intercepted a car near Mandi House in Delhi. 'From the possession of its two occupants, both B Pharma graduates from a reputed private university in Noida, 3.7 kilograms of Tramadol tablets were seized,' pointed out the MHA in the statement. The arrested individuals confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across the USA, Europe, and Australia. 'Leads from the interrogation led to a stockist in Roorkee, followed by the arrest of a key associate in Mayur Vihar, Delhi, who revealed connections with a contact in Udupi (Karnataka) responsible for organising bulk orders for shipments to the USA.' From Udupi, NCB uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including 29 packages from the USA to the USA, 18 from Australia to Australia, and one each to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland. 'The information was shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama, USA by the US DEA, along with a massive haul of controlled medicines,' said the MHA. The Ministry mentioned that the syndicate operated on 'encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection.' 'Further digital forensics led to arrests of two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations.' It further said that the operators never shipped in their home countries and coordinated through other drop-shippers in network to avoid legal consequences. 'The kingpin, who coordinated international linkages and finances, has been identified and located in the UAE. NCB is actively working in collaboration with UAE authorities,' said the MHA. Investigations further revealed the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly tied to the syndicate, sated the Ministry, adding, 'Law enforcement in Australia has successfully dismantled this unit. Operations in other jurisdictions are still ongoing.' In a significant development stemming from intelligence shared by India's NCB, the MHA said, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) has apprehended a key player in an international drug trafficking network. 'Joel Hall, a major re-shipper based in Alabama, was arrested following a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication.' During the crackdown, it said, authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. 'Investigative and enforcement actions concerning these digital assets and parcels are actively ongoing.' Adding to the breakthrough, the MHA said, an Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the US, marking a critical step in dismantling the financial backbone of this illegal enterprise. In parallel, the US DEA has successfully intercepted five parcels, resulting in the recovery of approximately 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets, a commonly misused sedative. Investigations have revealed that the mastermind of this international drug trafficking network was 'operating out of the UAE, orchestrating both the orders and supply modules with a high level of coordination and compartmentalisation.' 'The orders module functioned through a major B2B platform, where the handlers subscribed to premium vendor categories to enhance visibility and attract potential buyers. To manage incoming sales leads, the group ran a fully functional call centre based in Udupi, employing around 10 staff members, many of whom were reportedly unaware of the illicit nature of the operation,' said the MHA. 'Once orders were confirmed, advance payments were collected in cryptocurrency, which were then routed to the supply module operators after deducting a 10-15 per cent commission. The supply module, in turn, retained a further 10 per cent before disbursing payments to re-shippers located in designated countries, who handled the final delivery of the controlled substances.' In a calculated move to expand operations, it said, repeat buyers were groomed and recruited as re-shippers or stockists, helping the network grow organically across borders. 'Multiple such stockists have already been identified by our international counterparts, and actions against them are actively underway. This intricate network showcases the growing convergence of digital platforms, cryptocurrency, and transnational logistics in modern illicit trade, and highlights the importance of global cooperation and intelligence-sharing in combating such operations,' said the Ministry. With eight arrests so far, the MHA said, the financial trail involving crypto wallets and hawala channels is under investigation. 'NCB is also engaging with private sector platforms to counter the proliferation of illegal online pharmacies that openly advertise the sale of controlled medicines,' it added. (ANI)
News18
8 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Amit Shah Congratulates NCB For Busting Global Drug Cartel, US Thanks Indian Authorities
Last Updated: The NCB dismantled a global drug cartel operating in four continents and over 10 countries, and eight people were arrested, along with crackdowns in the US and Australia. The United States thanked Indian authorities after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully busted a transnational drug trafficking syndicate, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the crackdown as a stellar example of a multi-agency crackdown. The NCB dismantled a global drug cartel that reportedly operated across four continents and more than ten countries, and used encrypted digital platforms, drop shipping models, and cryptocurrency to smuggle controlled medicines, according to an official statement. 'Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug cartel. 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 4 continents and 10+ nations," said Shah on X. Congratulations to NCB and all agencies on busting a global drug 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… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 2, 2025 'Our agencies are constantly monitoring the sophisticated modes like crypto payments and anonymous drop shippers used by these gangs. PM Shri @narendramodi Ji led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from." This is one of NCB's most far-reaching crackdowns on illegal drug trade, which began with a routine vehicle inspection in New Delhi. The criminal network operated across India, the US, Australia, and Europe. Thanks to NCB and Indian authorities for helping protect Americans against illegal drugs and saving American lives! 🇮🇳 🤝 🇺🇸 — U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 2, 2025 How This Drug Cartel Was Busted Acting on specific intelligence inputs, an NCB team intercepted a vehicle near Mandi House in Delhi on May 25 and apprehended two persons – both B. Pharma graduates from a private university in Noida – and recovered 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets from their possession. The duo confessed to operating a vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, from where they sold pharmaceutical pills to clients across US, Europe, and Australia. Further investigation led to the arrest of a key associate from Mayur Vihar in Delhi, who was in touch with a person from Udupi, Karnataka for organising bulk orders to be shipped to the US. The narcotics agency uncovered data on 50 international consignments, including: 29 packages to the US, 18 to Australia, one each to Estonia, Spain and Switzerland, as per the statement. This information was shared with global counterparts and Interpol, leading to the identification and arrest of a bulk re-shipper and money launderer in Alabama in the US by the US DEA, along with a massive haul of controlled medicines. The criminal drug syndicate operated on encrypted communication platforms like Telegram, relied on cryptocurrency payments, PayPal, Western Union and used anonymous international drop shippers to evade detection. Two more Indian nationals from New Delhi and Jaipur, who handled logistics and supply-side operations. Crackdowns In US, Australia After receiving the information from the NCB, the US Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) apprehended Joey Hall, a major re-shipper and a key player in the drug network, after a coordinated operation, leading to the seizure of over 17,000 tablets of controlled medication. The kingpin of the operation has been identified and located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the NCB is working actively with UAE authorities. Additionally, the existence of a clandestine pill manufacturing facility in Australia, directly linked to the syndicate, was revealed and dismantled. Authorities also uncovered multiple cryptocurrency wallets and active parcels linked to the syndicate, indicating a sophisticated and tech-enabled trafficking operation. An Indian-American individual identified as a key money launderer in the network is now facing indictment in the US, as per the statement. The DEA successfully intercepted five parcels, resulting in the recovery of approximately 700 grams of Zolpidem tablets, a commonly misused sedative. More members of this syndicate have been identified and further actions are underway. (with agency inputs) Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : australia drug trade illegal drugs Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) United states First Published:
