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Irish Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Counterfeit GAA jerseys, drugs and tobacco products seized in Revenue operations
Revenue officers seized contraband with an estimated value of more than €300,000 in various operations in Dublin, the Midlands, Sligo, Kilkenny and Rosslare Europort over the past week. The detections were made as a result of risk profiling and intelligence led operations, and resulted in the seizure of herbal cannabis, cannabis resin, illicit tablets and other drugs, cigarettes and alcohol products, along with hundreds of counterfeit items. 8.1kg of herbal cannabis with an estimated value of over €162,600 was discovered, with the assistance of detector dogs Enzo and Ciara, whilst Revenue officers were examining parcels at premises in Dublin and the Midlands. The parcels originated from the USA, France, and Spain, and were destined for various addresses nationwide. Meanwhile cannabis resin with an estimated value of €4,250 was also seized by Revenue officials in recent days. A Revenue spokesperson also confirmed that various illicit tablets, which consisted of Benzodiazepine, Zopiclone, Diazapem and Zolpidem and had an estimated value of over €4,160, were seized, along with €5,300 worth of various illicit drugs consisting of cannabis oil, edibles, butane honey oil, magic mushrooms, HHC Vapes, 2MMC and edibles. Over 100 litres of alcohol and 27,320 cigarettes and 2.5kg of tobacco were seized on Thursday in Sligo with the assistance of detector dog Toby. The alcohol, which has an estimated value of over €3,000 and represents a potential loss to the Exchequer of over €1,150, consisted of wine, beer and spirits, while the cigarettes were branded Septwolves, L&M, Marlboro Gold, Benson & Hedges, Superkings, Richmond, Minsk Superslims, NZ, and Excellence and the tobacco was branded Amber Leaf. According to Revenue, the tobacco products have an estimated value of over €39,000, representing a potential loss to the exchequer of over €31,000, 283 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over €83,000 were also seized as they were confirmed by the Rights Holder to have infringed on Intellectual Property Rights. The counterfeit goods were branded Adidas, Asics, Boss, Breitling, Brooks, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Casa Blanca, Chanel, Cartier, Christian Dior, Crocs, Gucci, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, MIU MIU, New Balance, Nike, North Face, Omega, O'Neills, Polo, Ralph Lauren, Ray Ban, and Versace There was also a cash seizure of €4,500 after Revenue officers were granted detention orders on Wednesday in Rosslare Europort in respect of the cash seized by Judge Cheatle in Gorey District Court. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week A Revenue spokesperson said investigations into all seizures are ongoing. "These seizures are part of Revenue's ongoing operations targeting smuggling and shadow economy activity," the Revenue spokesperson added. "If businesses, or members of the public, have any information regarding smuggling, they can contact Revenue in confidence on 1800 295 295."
India.com
04-07-2025
- India.com
NCB Busts Global Drug Cartel Spanning 4 Continents, Uses Crypto And Encrypted Apps
In one of the largest crackdowns on the illegal pharmaceutical trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate operating across four continents, using encrypted digital platforms, cryptocurrency, and anonymous shipping networks, an official statement said. The breakthrough began with the interception of a vehicle near Bengali Market in Delhi on May 25, 2025, ultimately uncovering a vast transnational operation with links to India, the US, Australia, and Europe. The investigation was launched after the NCB HQ Operations Unit intercepted a car near Mandi House, Delhi, based on a tip-off. The vehicle's two occupants, B. Pharma graduates from a reputed Noida-based private university, were found in possession of 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets--a controlled medication often misused as a narcotic. Their confession exposed a deeper network that involved an online vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, used to ship pharmaceutical pills to clients in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Subsequent leads led NCB to a stockist in Roorkee and an associate in Delhi's Mayur Vihar. Further investigation uncovered a key contact in Udupi, Karnataka, who managed bulk orders for exports. Analysis of seized data from Udupi revealed 50 international consignments 29 within the US, 18 within Australia, and one each to Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland. This intelligence was shared with international counterparts and the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol). Acting on this information, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested a key operative named Joel Hall, a re-shipper based in Alabama. Authorities seized over 17,000 tablets of controlled medicines from his possession. Multiple crypto wallets and active parcels were recovered, confirming the network's reliance on digital currency and encrypted communications. DEA also intercepted five parcels carrying around 700 grams of Zolpidem, a sedative commonly abused for recreational use. Meanwhile, a clandestine pill-manufacturing facility linked to the network was busted in Australia by local law enforcement. The factory was found producing tablets for export as part of the syndicate's supply chain. Investigations in other countries are ongoing. NCB's probe uncovered a multilayered structure with two distinct modules, orders and supply, managed by handlers using encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram and payment systems involving cryptocurrency, PayPal, and Western Union. The syndicate operated a call centre in Udupi, employing approximately 10 staff members, some of whom were reportedly unaware of the criminal operation. Orders placed via the B2B platform were routed through this call centre. Advance payments were made in cryptocurrency, then circulated through supply chain operators who retained a commission before the payments were disbursed to re-shippers in various countries. According to the NCB, the mastermind who orchestrated the network's logistics and finances from the UAE has been identified, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him with the assistance of Emirati authorities. Two more Indian nationals were arrested in Jaipur and Delhi in connection with the logistics and supply-side operations. So far, a total of eight individuals have been arrested. In a strategic move to expand operations, repeat customers were converted into stockists or re-shippers, allowing the syndicate to grow its footprint organically across borders. Several such individuals have been identified by partner agencies abroad. NCB has also launched financial and cyber investigations to trace cryptocurrency wallets and hawala channels involved in laundering proceeds. Collaborations are underway with private online platforms to shut down illegal pharmacy listings advertising controlled drugs. This case, authorities say, underlines the growing intersection of digital commerce, encrypted technology, and international logistics in facilitating illicit pharmaceutical trade. It also reinforces the importance of international intelligence-sharing and collaborative enforcement actions.
India Gazette
03-07-2025
- India Gazette
NCB busts global drug cartel using encrypted apps, crypto and B2B platforms
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): In one of the largest crackdowns on the illegal pharmaceutical trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate operating across four continents, using encrypted digital platforms, cryptocurrency, and anonymous shipping networks, an official statement said. The breakthrough began with the interception of a vehicle near Bengali Market in Delhi on May 25, 2025, ultimately uncovering a vast transnational operation with links to India, the US, Australia, and Europe. The investigation was launched after the NCB HQ Operations Unit intercepted a car near Mandi House, Delhi, based on a tip-off. The vehicle's two occupants, B. Pharma graduates from a reputed Noida-based private university, were found in possession of 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets--a controlled medication often misused as a narcotic. Their confession exposed a deeper network that involved an online vendor profile on a major Indian B2B platform, used to ship pharmaceutical pills to clients in the United States, Europe, and Australia. Subsequent leads led NCB to a stockist in Roorkee and an associate in Delhi's Mayur Vihar. Further investigation uncovered a key contact in Udupi, Karnataka, who managed bulk orders for exports. Analysis of seized data from Udupi revealed 50 international consignments 29 within the US, 18 within Australia, and one each to Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland. This intelligence was shared with international counterparts and the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol). Acting on this information, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested a key operative named Joel Hall, a re-shipper based in Alabama. Authorities seized over 17,000 tablets of controlled medicines from his possession. Multiple crypto wallets and active parcels were recovered, confirming the network's reliance on digital currency and encrypted communications. DEA also intercepted five parcels carrying around 700 grams of Zolpidem, a sedative commonly abused for recreational use. Meanwhile, a clandestine pill-manufacturing facility linked to the network was busted in Australia by local law enforcement. The factory was found producing tablets for export as part of the syndicate's supply chain. Investigations in other countries are ongoing. NCB's probe uncovered a multilayered structure with two distinct modules, orders and supply, managed by handlers using encrypted messaging platforms like Telegram and payment systems involving cryptocurrency, PayPal, and Western Union. The syndicate operated a call centre in Udupi, employing approximately 10 staff members, some of whom were reportedly unaware of the criminal operation. Orders placed via the B2B platform were routed through this call centre. Advance payments were made in cryptocurrency, then circulated through supply chain operators who retained a commission before the payments were disbursed to re-shippers in various countries. According to the NCB, the mastermind who orchestrated the network's logistics and finances from the UAE has been identified, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend him with the assistance of Emirati authorities. Two more Indian nationals were arrested in Jaipur and Delhi in connection with the logistics and supply-side operations. So far, a total of eight individuals have been arrested. In a strategic move to expand operations, repeat customers were converted into stockists or re-shippers, allowing the syndicate to grow its footprint organically across borders. Several such individuals have been identified by partner agencies abroad. NCB has also launched financial and cyber investigations to trace cryptocurrency wallets and hawala channels involved in laundering proceeds. Collaborations are underway with private online platforms to shut down illegal pharmacy listings advertising controlled drugs. This case, authorities say, underlines the growing intersection of digital commerce, encrypted technology, and international logistics in facilitating illicit pharmaceutical trade. It also reinforces the importance of international intelligence-sharing and collaborative enforcement actions. (ANI)
Time of India
03-07-2025
- Time of India
How Delhi police busted drug racket spread across US, Europe, Australia during routine vehicle check near Bengali Market
A routine vehicle check near Bengali Market in Delhi has led to the unravelling of a global drug trafficking network spread across four continents and more than 10 countries. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), during an operation codenamed Med-Max, dismantled a transnational syndicate involved in the online sale and shipment of controlled pharmaceutical drugs using encrypted platforms, cryptocurrency, and drop-shipping methods, a TOI report stated. Network spread across India, US, Europe, and Australia NCB's investigation revealed that the syndicate was running illegal pharma exports using Indian B2B platforms and operated via encrypted messaging apps like Telegram. The group accepted payments in cryptocurrency, PayPal, and Western Union, making tracking difficult. The probe exposed supply chains linked to the US, Australia, Estonia, Spain, and Switzerland. The operation also triggered a parallel crackdown in Alabama, US, where the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) arrested a key suspect and seized 17,000 tablets of controlled medicines along with 700 grams of Zolpidem. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 여름철 벌레, 안전하고 확실한 퇴치 방법 예슬이네 더 알아보기 Undo How the operation began The investigation started on May 25, when NCB's HQ Operations team intercepted a car near Mandi House, Delhi, and recovered 3.7 kg of Tramadol tablets. The two individuals arrested were B. Pharma graduates from a 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. Live Events Links from Mayur Vihar to Karnataka and beyond Based on their leads, NCB arrested a key associate in Mayur Vihar, who revealed links to a contact in Udupi, Karnataka. This contact was managing bulk drug orders for export to the US. From Udupi, officials traced 50 international shipments, which were sent to various countries. The information was shared with global enforcement agencies and Interpol. Further arrests were made in New Delhi and Jaipur. The individuals were allegedly handling logistics and supply operations in India. UAE-based mastermind and Australia pill facility exposed The kingpin of the operation has been identified and traced to the UAE. NCB is coordinating with authorities in the UAE for further action. Investigations also uncovered a hidden pill-manufacturing unit in Australia connected to the network. The facility has now been dismantled by local law enforcement. "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 syndicate also operated a call centre from Udupi to handle sales enquiries. Crypto, hawala trail and private platforms under lens NCB is examining the financial trail involving cryptocurrency wallets and hawala transactions. It is also engaging with private B2B platforms to tackle the rise of illegal online pharmacies promoting the sale of regulated medicines. Union home minister Amit Shah acknowledged the breakthrough on social media platform 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.' He added, 'PM Modi led govt is determined to saw off every drug cartel and protect our youth, no matter where they operate from.' The NCB has confirmed that operations in other international jurisdictions are ongoing.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- 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.
