The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed its third chargesheet against Satyanarayan Meghwal and Sahil Godara in a case involving cross-border trafficking of arms and narcotics using drones. The accused, arrested in July this year, face charges under UAPA, Arms Act, NDPS Act, and BNS. The investigation reveals an organised syndicate using encrypted channels to smuggle weapons and drugs across northern India, targeting youth and fostering disaffection against India.
Mumbai Police conducted a two-day anti-narcotics operation, seizing drugs worth Rs 15.87 crore, arresting 21 absconding accused, and registering 72 cases. The drive, part of the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' and 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' campaigns, also saw the invocation of MCOCA against a drug syndicate and the demolition of illegal structures.
A joint operation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Bihar Police's STF has dismantled an inter-state charas smuggling network. The operation led to the seizure of approximately 3 kg of charas, valued at Rs 3 crore, and the arrest of two individuals in Muzaffarpur. The contraband originated from Nepal and was destined for Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh.
Delhi Police has secured freezing orders for Rs 3.72 crore in cash proceeds from a narcotics case, arresting eight alleged members of a drug supply network and seizing over 1 kg of smack. This freezing order is reportedly the highest amount covered by such an order for north India since 1976.
Madhya Pradesh has achieved the top rank in India for drug destruction, eliminating over 2.74 lakh kilograms of narcotics in two years. The state is implementing a comprehensive strategy, including forming anti-drug committees in educational institutions, launching a three-year campaign to dismantle drug networks, strengthening intelligence, and expanding de-addiction centres. Authorities have also seized significant quantities of drugs, attached properties, and conducted extensive public awareness programmes.
A Thailand national woman was arrested in Gurugram with approximately 14 grams of MDMA during a raid by the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau. Investigators are probing her alleged visa overstay and potential links to a wider drug distribution network, with a case registered under the NDPS Act.
The Enforcement Directorate has arrested Pravin Shinde and Brijesh Moradiya in a money laundering investigation connected to international drug trafficker Salim Ismail Dola's syndicate. The probe revealed a highly organised network involved in manufacturing and trafficking mephedrone, using hawala channels to layer proceeds of crime and acquire assets.
Mizoram Excise and Narcotics Minister Lalnghinglova Hmar urged college students to avoid drugs, highlighting the growing concern over cannabis use among young people and the high demand for drugs in the Champhai district. Official data reveals a significant number of injecting drug users and drug-related deaths in the state, with a 2022 survey showing cannabis use among children as young as 10-14.
India summoned Pakistan's Charge d'affaires to protest continued cross-border infiltration and alleged facilitation of drug smuggling, rejecting Pakistan's earlier protest regarding BSF action against suspected intruders. India stated BSF engaged infiltrators who posed a security threat after ignoring warnings.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and AISA have raised concerns over the detention of their leaders, Abhijeet Dipke and Neha Bora, by Delhi Police during protests. Both parties allege their leaders are being held at undisclosed locations and denied access to lawyers, while police confirm detentions were made to maintain law and order.
A Delhi court has granted bail to Nigerian national Nwachukwu Benjamin Odinaka, who was arrested for allegedly possessing forged passports and visas. The court noted he had been in jail for 13 months, the investigation was complete, and no charges under the stringent NDPS Act were applicable to him.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Bihar Special Task Force (STF) have dismantled a Nepal-origin charas smuggling network in Raxaul, Bihar. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of 5.14 kg of charas, valued at Rs 5.14 crore, intended for transport to Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
Customs officials at Pune airport seized 1.265 kg of hydroponic weed, valued at Rs 44.27 lakh, from an Indian passenger arriving from Bangkok. The passenger was arrested under the NDPS Act, and further investigation is underway to trace the drug supply chain.
Assam Rifles seized methamphetamine tablets valued at Rs 3.55 crore in Mizoram's Champhai district. The seizure, weighing 4.4 kg, occurred near Zokhawthar along the India-Myanmar border on Friday, following a tip-off. The drugs have been handed over to the state's Excise and Narcotics Department for further legal action, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) seized methamphetamine tablets worth Rs 43 crore in Guwahati, arresting two individuals from Manipur. The consignment, originating from Myanmar, was found hidden in specially fabricated cavities in fuel tanks of two trucks. The NCB is investigating to dismantle the trafficking network and has also apprehended six other persons in separate NDPS cases.
The Indian government has officially declared the Pakistan-based Shahzad Bhatti Network (SBN) a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This action, announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, targets a group involved in cross-border smuggling of arms, explosives, and narcotics, as well as inciting youth into terrorism and spreading hateful digital content. SBN is accused of threatening India's democratic structure, communal harmony, and internal security.
Assam Police seized narcotics worth Rs 2.44 crore in Barpeta district, including heroin and Yaba tablets, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Gurugram Police have arrested Eno Shedrack Wichu, a 35-year-old Cameroonian national, for possessing 14.83 grams of MDMA. Wichu, who entered India on a tourist visa in 2022, was apprehended by the Anti-Narcotics Cell and intended to supply the drug in Gurugram. A case has been registered under the NDPS Act.
A fugitive wanted in a major narcotics case was brought back from Azerbaijan by the Special Cell of Delhi Police, who secured his extradition in coordination with the CBI.
Delhi is set to establish its first dedicated Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) police station as part of a broader initiative to make the city drug-free by 2027, according to LG Taranjit Singh Sandhu.
Delhi Police have arrested two taxi drivers and a Nigerian national for alleged drug trafficking. The accused were found with commercial quantities of cocaine, heroin, and MDMA. The taxi drivers reportedly coordinated deliveries, while the Nigerian national, who overstayed his medical visa, is believed to be a key supplier.
In a significant victory against international drug trafficking, India has secured the return of fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE.
Satinderjeet Singh, alias Goldy Brar, a former petty criminal from Punjab, has escalated to become a leader of transnational organised crime and is now featured on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. The FBI has offered a USD 1 million reward for information leading to his arrest, citing his alleged involvement in assassinations, extortions, and trafficking of narcotics and weapons across the US and Canada. Brar is also linked to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, designated an "individual terrorist" by India, and accused of orchestrating the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Bengaluru destroyed 128.76 kg of seized narcotics, estimated to be worth Rs 38 crore, during a drug disposal drive. This marks the second such drive by the Bengaluru zonal unit in 2026, following the guidelines of the NDPS Act and Supreme Court. The NCB has destroyed a total of 1735 kg of seized drugs this year and encourages citizens to report drug trafficking.
Five Pakistani nationals have been remanded to police custody by an Ahmedabad court in connection with a Rs 3,000 crore drug haul involving 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin seized from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea. The operation was a joint effort by the Gujarat ATS and Indian Coast Guard.
The Supreme Court has directed the Centre, states, and Union Territories to swiftly establish dedicated courts to handle the "alarming rise" in cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The directive aims to set up all 449 required NDPS courts within six weeks. Additionally, the court noted progress in establishing special courts for cases probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), with several states committing to expedite their operationalisation.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has arrested seven individuals, including two foreign nationals, for their involvement in an interstate cocaine trafficking network operating between Bengaluru and Kerala. The operation, named 'Domino', led to the seizure of 33.1 grams of cocaine worth Rs 16.55 lakh and uncovered links to individuals previously deported from the UAE for drug offences.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has conducted multiple intelligence-led operations across India, seizing over 845 kg of various contraband substances including ganja/cannabis, charas, amphetamine, and cocaine. These operations led to the arrest of 15 individuals involved in illicit drug trafficking, disrupting several supply chains.
India has highlighted 13 key outcomes from the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, focusing on enhanced cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, and addressing transnational threats. These outcomes include the establishment of a Universal Centre for Countering Challenges and Threats to Security, a strong stance against state-sponsored terrorism, and agreements on narcotics control, climate change, and artificial intelligence, reinforcing India's engagement in the Eurasian region.
The FBI has placed gangster Satinderjeet Singh, known as Goldy Brar, on its Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list, offering a USD 1 million reward for his alleged involvement in the Lawrence Bishnoi Organized Crime Group's violent activities across North America.
In 100 days in office, Chief Minister V D Satheesan has ordered five SITs. This would appear to be some kind of a record, points out Aditi Phadnis.
The Indian Coast Guard, in a joint operation with the Gujarat ATS, seized 526 kilograms of methamphetamine and heroin valued at over Rs 3,000 crore from an Iranian boat in the Arabian Sea near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals operating the vessel were detained, and preliminary investigations reveal a transnational smuggling network aiming to deliver the consignment to Tamil Nadu and Punjab.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari symbolically destroyed nearly 2 lakh bottles of banned cough syrup in Balurghat using a road roller. This act, aimed at combating drug addiction among youth and curbing smuggling to Bangladesh, highlights improved coordination between BSF and state police. Adhikari also announced a new medical college for Balurghat during his visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a 100-week nationwide campaign, 'Nasha Mukta Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyaan', on August 2 to combat rising drug abuse in India. Led by MY Bharat youth, the initiative will involve various activities and aims to unite over one crore young people in a pledge against substance abuse, addressing alarming statistics from the Narcotics Control Bureau.
A special CBI court has upheld the framing of charges against a former Narcotics Control Bureau official accused of cheating the bureau by claiming subsistence allowance while suspended, despite working for three private companies.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a major international narcotics ring, seizing 349 kg of high-grade cocaine worth Rs 1,745 crore in Mumbai.
Police in Kashmir have arrested 14 drug peddlers across multiple districts as part of a 100-day campaign to eliminate drug use in Jammu and Kashmir. Contraband substances and related paraphernalia were seized during the operations.
Meghalaya Police seized drugs worth over 51 crore in East Jaintia Hills district, arresting two Mizoram-based individuals, marking the state's largest narcotics haul to date.
A special NIA court in Ahmedabad has sentenced six Pakistani nationals to eight years of rigorous imprisonment for their involvement in the 2019 mid-sea seizure of 330 kg of 'brown heroin' off Gujarat's Jakhau coast. An Indian man, allegedly the intended recipient, was acquitted due to benefit of doubt. The National Investigation Agency had probed the case, alleging funds from the smuggling were intended for a terror organisation.
A man was arrested at the India-Nepal border in Maharajganj, Uttar Pradesh, with over 2.30 kg of high-grade hydroponic weed worth approximately Rs 1 crore. The arrest by SSB personnel led to the accused being handed over to the Narcotics Control Bureau for further investigation into a cross-border drug network.
