The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, stopped a diversion attempt involving an export consignment of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets. The seizure matters because pharmaceutical opioids can move from licit supply chains into illicit international channels, creating both security and public-health risks.
According to the government release, the consignment contained 120 million Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets of 250 mg strength, weighing about 30 metric tons. The shipment was seized from a warehouse in Delhi, and three key persons were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
What happened
The operation was named Operation Vajra. Preventive teams of the CBN, Gwalior, carried out action between 10 July 2026 and 20 July 2026 across Bengaluru, Delhi and Kochi with support from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bengaluru, DRI Kochi and other agencies.
The government said intelligence suggested that the consignment was declared as destined for Guinea-Bissau but was intended for diversion to Libya. CBN scrutiny under its risk-based export control mechanism identified multiple risk indicators, which led to detailed examination and enforcement action.
Background and earlier position
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