In a significant breakthrough in the global fight against narcotics trafficking, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) successfully busted an international drug cartel operating across Asia, Europe, and North America. Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the NCB team for their coordinated action, while the United States thanked Indian authorities for their crucial role in dismantling the syndicate that had links to multiple countries and mafia networks.
Details of the Operation
According to NCB officials, the operation was conducted over the last four months, involving:
- Intelligence inputs shared by US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Europol, and Southeast Asian anti-narcotics agencies.
- Simultaneous raids in Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, and Hyderabad, leading to arrests of over 25 key operatives, including foreign nationals.
- Seizure of over 250 kg of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine and ecstasy pills, valued at approximately ₹1,200 crore ($145 million) in international markets.
How the Cartel Operated
The busted cartel had a sophisticated network:
- Production: Meth labs set up in remote industrial zones in Gujarat and Maharashtra using precursor chemicals diverted illegally from pharma supply chains.
- Distribution: Drugs trafficked to Europe, Australia, and the US via maritime cargo, courier consignments, and human carriers with forged documents.
- Financial routes: Hawala networks and cryptocurrency channels were used for laundering proceeds and payments across jurisdictions.
NCB Deputy Director General Gyaneshwar Singh stated:
“This was one of the largest transnational narcotics operations coordinated by India. Links to Mexican cartels, African syndicates, and Southeast Asian networks are being investigated further.”
Amit Shah’s Congratulatory Message
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), said:
“Congratulations to NCB and all agencies involved for dismantling a global drug syndicate operating from Indian soil. Under PM Modi’s vision of ‘Drug Free India’, such coordinated actions will continue with greater intensity. This is a message to narco-terror networks that India’s agencies are fully capable of neutralising their operations.”
US Government’s Appreciation
The US Embassy in New Delhi issued a statement:
“We commend the Government of India and NCB for their outstanding action against an international drug cartel whose activities have had repercussions in the US. Such joint efforts strengthen global security and health safety.”
US DEA officials confirmed that intelligence inputs provided by Indian authorities will aid ongoing investigations in California, Texas, and New Jersey, where cartel distribution networks had expanded.
Impact on Global Narcotics Trade
Experts note that:
- The cartel was responsible for 30-40% of methamphetamine supply routes from South Asia to Europe and Australia.
- Its dismantling will temporarily disrupt supply chains, pushing prices up and possibly leading to turf conflicts among residual groups.
- Indian ports and pharma supply chains remain attractive targets for global drug syndicates due to large chemical manufacturing capacity and busy container movement.
Recent Major Drug Seizures in India
| Date | Location | Drug Seized | Quantity | Cartel Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2025 | Mundra Port, Gujarat | Heroin | 56 kg | Afghanistan-Iran network |
| Mar 2025 | Mumbai Airport | Cocaine | 22 kg | Latin American network |
| May 2025 | Delhi NCR | Methamphetamine | 120 kg | Southeast Asian syndicate |
| July 2025 | Multi-state | Meth, Ecstasy | 250 kg | Global cartel busted |
(Compiled from NCB monthly seizure reports)
Strengthening India’s Anti-Narcotics Framework
The Ministry of Home Affairs has ramped up:
- Deployment of AI-based container scanning systems at ports.
- Coordination between NCB, DRI, Coast Guard, and state police units under the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) mechanism.
- Engagement with Interpol, UNODC, and regional anti-narcotics agencies for intelligence sharing and joint crackdowns.
Political and Social Reactions
- BJP leaders hailed the bust as proof of strong governance.
- Opposition parties, while welcoming the operation, demanded stricter control on diversion of pharmaceutical chemicals and better rehabilitation programs for drug users in Indian cities.
Global Cooperation Praised
International security analysts have praised India’s growing role in combating global organised crime, noting:
“The NCB-DEA operation is an example of effective south-north cooperation to tackle transnational threats. India is now a critical partner in global anti-narcotics frameworks.”
Conclusion
The NCB’s dismantling of a major global drug cartel reinforces India’s commitment to fighting narco-terrorism and cross-border crime, with strong political backing from Home Minister Amit Shah. As investigations continue into international linkages and financial trails, this bust marks a major milestone in India’s “Zero Tolerance to Drugs” policy and global security collaboration.
Disclaimer: This article is based on official statements by NCB, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and US DEA updates as of July 3, 2025. Readers are advised to follow NCB and MHA press releases for case developments and trial proceedings.
