The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), operating under the Ministry of Finance, has seized over 66 lakh psychotropic tablets in an inter-state smuggling case on the Punjab-Himachal Pradesh border. The operation, called Operation Vajra 2.0, took place on 27-28 August 2026 and resulted in one arrest and the impounding of a truck used in the illegal transportation.
What was seized and how
CBN teams positioned themselves on the Chandigarh-Baddi route after receiving intelligence about suspicious movement of medicines. On 27 August 2026, they intercepted a truck bearing Uttar Pradesh registration and conducted a detailed search that lasted over 14 hours.
The seizure comprised 66,79,980 tablets across four types of psychotropic medicines: Alprazolam, Tramadol, Nitrazepam and Clonazepam. The medicines were packed in 120 master cartons and were being transported without proper legal documentation such as invoices or E-way bills.
The CBN found evidence of deliberate concealment. Batch numbers, manufacturing dates and expiry dates had been removed from many blister strips and boxes. Several medicines bore the label “Not to be sold in Punjab Haryana State” yet were being illegally moved into those states.
The entire truck and consignment were seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. One suspect was arrested in connection with the case. Investigation is ongoing to identify the manufacturers, suppliers and distribution networks involved in this illegal operation.
What this means for you
This seizure demonstrates CBN’s efforts to stop the illegal diversion of medicines that could reach consumers without proper regulation. Psychotropic medicines require strict oversight because of their potential for misuse. The investigation may help authorities track how controlled medicines are being illegally moved across state borders and sold without medical supervision. During 2026 so far, CBN has seized approximately 12.72 crore tablets and capsules of psychotropic medicines across multiple operations.