BackLAW
July 2025 crackdown under Operation MED-MAX and the April 2026 launch of Operation WIPE against online drug trafficking in India
In July 2025, Operation MED-MAX cracked a transnational drug network and exposed a Udupi-based call centre linked to tramadol trafficking. On April 26, 2026, the NCB launched Operation WIPE to curb online drug listings, issued platform notices, and flagged hundreds of instances across dozens of substances, with platforms removing listings and suspending vendors. The following day, officials reported ongoing monitoring and a shift toward preventive enforcement.
Why It Matters
The operation signals a strategic shift to preventive action against online drug distribution, leveraging digital monitoring and international cooperation to disrupt illicit supply chains before trafficking occurs.
Timeline
3 Events
April 27, 2026: Article reports ongoing measures and monitoring under Operation WIPE
April 27, 2026
The NCB stated its technical teams would continue to monitor online activity to identify emerging threats and ensure timely intervention, signaling a shift from reactive enforcement to preventive action as WIPE proceeds.
April 26, 2026: Launch of Operation WIPE to prevent online drug trafficking in India
April 26, 2026
The Narcotics Control Bureau launched Operation WIPE (Web-based Illicit Activities Prevention & Enforcement) nationwide to monitor illicit activities on digital platforms before drugs are smuggled. The agency issued notices to online platforms directing corrective action and shared a comprehensive list of regulated substances to enable proactive identification and removal of illegal listings. So far, NCB has flagged 122 instances involving 62 substances, including 58 under the NDPS Act and four classified as controlled substances. Platforms such as IndiaMART, TradeIndia and Dial4Trade have removed flagged products and suspended suspicious vendors following verification.
July 2025 crackdown under Operation MED-MAX exposes transnational drug syndicate and Udupi call centre
July 2025
A major crackdown under Operation MED-MAX dismantled a transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating across multiple continents. The network was exposed after a seizure of 3.7 kg of tramadol tablets in India. Investigations revealed the syndicate ran a call centre in Karnataka’s Udupi to handle global orders through a prominent business-to-business platform, listing pharmaceutical drugs online and routing payments through cryptocurrencies and other channels, with international re-shippers used for delivery.