CBN Seizes 66.80 Lakh Psychotropic Tablets in Major Inter-State Pharmaceutical Diversion Case, One Arrested.
Chandigarh/Baddi:
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has seized nearly 66.80 lakh psychotropic tablets and arrested one person in a major inter-state pharmaceutical diversion and trafficking case under Operation Vajra 2.0.
The action was carried out by the CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit on the basis of specific intelligence developed by the CBN Neemuch Unit regarding the movement of a large illicit consignment of psychotropic medicines along the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh corridor.
Acting on the intelligence, a specialised preventive team of the CBN MP Unit mounted sustained surveillance and strategically positioned itself along the Chandigarh-Baddi interstate route on August 27-28, 2026.
During the operation, the team intercepted an SML Isuzu Sartaj truck bearing Uttar Pradesh registration that was allegedly transporting a large consignment of psychotropic medicines without the mandatory statutory documentation. The vehicle was shifted to a secure location for a detailed search.
A thorough carton-by-carton examination of the truck led to the discovery of 120 master cartons containing controlled psychotropic substances. The seized consignment comprised Alprazolam, Tramadol, Nitrazepam and Clonazepam, with a total quantity of 66,79,980 tablets.
The seizure was made following overnight vigilance by the CBN team. Officials said the detailed inventory, examination and sealing proceedings continued for more than 14 hours through the night.
Medicines found without mandatory documents
Preliminary examination of the consignment revealed several measures allegedly adopted to conceal the supply chain and evade regulatory monitoring.
CBN officials found that batch numbers, manufacturing dates and expiry dates had been erased from a substantial quantity of blister strips and medicine boxes.
The team also recovered significant quantities of medicines carrying the marking “Not to be sold in Punjab Haryana State.” These medicines were allegedly being transported into the region without valid supporting documents, including invoices, bilty or e-way bills.
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.
Investigation underway to trace wider network
Following the seizure, the CBN has launched an intensive follow-up investigation to identify and dismantle the wider network allegedly involved in the diversion and trafficking of psychotropic medicines.
The investigation is focused on tracing the upstream manufacturing and supply channels as well as the downstream distribution network connected with the seized consignment. Officials will also investigate the involvement of other individuals and entities associated with the alleged inter-state pharmaceutical diversion racket.
The action forms part of Operation Vajra 2.0, under which the CBN is intensifying intelligence-driven enforcement against the illegal diversion and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics said it remains committed to the vision of “Safe use of drugs or medicines” and the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan (NMBA), while continuing intelligence-led operations against illegal trafficking and diversion of controlled substances.
CBN’s enforcement record in 2026
The latest seizure adds to the CBN’s enforcement efforts during the current calendar year.
According to the agency, during 2026, the Central Bureau of Narcotics has so far booked 197 cases and arrested 272 persons allegedly involved in illicit drug networks.
The bureau has also reported the dismantling of six clandestine laboratories, targeting illegal synthetic drug manufacturing operations.
In its wider enforcement campaign, the agency said its operations have resulted in the seizure of approximately 51,000 kg of various NDPS drugs, in addition to around 12.72 crore tablets and capsules of psychotropic medicines.
The latest seizure of nearly 66.80 lakh psychotropic tablets is being viewed as a significant action against the illegal diversion of pharmaceutical medicines across state borders, with further investigation expected to reveal the source and intended distribution channels of the consignment.
