The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday launched a multi-phase operation to disrupt, degrade and dismantle drug trafficking networks with international linkages. The agency registered 127 cases, arrested 175 persons and seized huge consignments of narcotics after checking 6,600 suspects.
Called Operation Garuda, the drive is being conducted through rapid exchange of criminal intelligence on drug trafficking and coordinated law enforcement actions through INTERPOL (the International Crime Police Organisation).
The CBI and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) are closely coordinating the operation with the police in several states and Union Territories (UTs) for information exchange, analysis and development of operational information, a CBI official said.
The states and UTs include Maharashtra, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Manipur.
A CBI official said the operation seeks to target drug networks with international footprints, and action is being taken against not just handlers, operatives and production zones but also support elements.
Narcotics seized:
Tramadol 105.997 kg
Ganja 33.936 kg
Poppy husk 30 kg
Heroin 5.125 kg
Charas 3.29 kg
Mephedrone 1.365 kg
Opium 1.150 kg
Smack 33.80 gm
Buprenorphine 87 tablets, 122 injections & 87 syringes
Alprazolam 946 tablets