CBN seizes 66.80 lakh psychotropic tablets in major inter-state pharmaceutical diversion case under Operation Vajra 2.0; one arrested

Ministry of Finance CBN seizes 66.80 lakh psychotropic tablets in major inter-state pharmaceutical diversion case under Operation Vajra 2.0; one arrested

Posted On: 29 AUG 2026 5:40PM by PIB Delhi In a major breakthrough against the illegal diversion and trafficking of psychotropic medicines, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) MP Unit, acting on specific intelligence developed by CBN, Neemuch, Madhya Pradesh Unit.

Acting upon specific intelligence regarding the movement of a massive illicit consignment of psychotropic medicines along the Punjab–Himachal Pradesh corridor, a specialised preventive team of the CBN MP Unit mounted sustained surveillance and strategically positioned itself on the Chandigarh–Baddi interstate route, under Operation Vajra 2.0 on 27-28 August 2026.

The operation resulted in the seizure of a massive consignment of 66,79,980 psychotropic tablets, comprising Alprazolam, Tramadol, Nitrazepam and Clonazepam, which was being transported without the requisite statutory documentation. One person has been arrested and one SML Isuzu Sartaj truck has been seized.

After maintaining overnight vigilance, on 27.08.2026, the team intercepted a suspicious SML Isuzu Sartaj truck bearing Uttar Pradesh registration and shifted them to a secure location for a detailed search.

A thorough carton-by-carton examination of the cargo led to the discovery of 120 master cartons containing controlled psychotropic substances. The consignment comprised Alprazolam, Tramadol, Nitrazepam and Clonazepam tablets, with a total quantity of 66,79,980 tablets.

Preliminary examination revealed several deliberate measures apparently adopted to conceal the illicit supply chain and evade regulatory tracking. Batch numbers, manufacturing dates and expiry dates had been erased from a substantial quantity of blister strips and boxes.

Further, substantial quantities of medicines bearing the marking “Not to be sold in Punjab Haryana State” were found being transported into the region without valid supporting documents such as invoices, bilty or E-way bills.The detailed inventory, examination and sealing proceedings continued for more than 14 hours through the night. The entire consignment of 66,79,980 psychotropic tablets, along with the SML Isuzu Sartaj truck used for transportation, was seized under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

One Suspect has been arrested under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Intensive follow-up investigation is underway to identify and dismantle the upstream manufacturing and supply channels as well as the downstream distribution network involved in this major inter-state pharmaceutical diversion racket. The investigation will also seek to identify other persons and entities associated with the illegal diversion and trafficking of these psychotropic medicines.

The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) remains firmly committed to the vision of a “Safe use of drugs or medicines” and “Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA)”. and continues to undertake intelligence- driven enforcement actions against the illegal trafficking and diversion of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

During the current calendar year 2026, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has demonstrated exceptional anti-smuggling performance by successfully booking 197 cases and arresting 272 persons involved in illicit drug networks. Demonstrating aggressive enforcement against synthetic manufacturing operations, the bureau effectively busted 6 clandestine laboratories. Furthermore, the agency’s extensiveenforcement actions intercepted a massive volume of contraband, resulting in the seizure of approximately 51,000 kg of various NDPS drugs along with an additional staggering haul of 12,72,00,000 tablets and capsules of psychotropic medicines.

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