NCB busts drug network worth Rs 10 crore from Nepal to Sri Lanka; 5 arrested, 77.6 kg of cannabis oil seized

New Delhi: In a massive crackdown on transnational drug syndicates, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted a complex drug trafficking network stretching from Nepal to Sri Lanka via India. The multi-state operation, carried out by NCB’s Chennai and Hyderabad zonal units, resulted in the seizure of 77.60 kg of cannabis oil and 2 kg of chalas with a total market value estimated to be around Rs. 10 Crores. Five people, including a Sri Lankan refugee, were arrested in connection with a smuggling gang as part of the government’s ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ (drug-free India) initiative.The breakthrough started on March 3, 2026, when NCB Hyderabad officials intercepted a Tata Safari Storme at the Raikal toll plaza on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad highway. A detailed search of the vehicle revealed that 2kg of Charas was hidden in the specially made cavity. The two occupants, residents of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, were immediately detained. Interrogation revealed that the contraband was smuggled into India from Kathmandu, Nepal, via the Sonali border. The suspect also admitted that a large quantity of cannabis oil had been transported to Thuthukudi in Tamil Nadu and then transported to Sri Lanka by sea.Acting on this intelligence, NCB Chennai swung into action and seized the remaining consignment in Tamil Nadu, seizing nearly 78 kg of cannabis oil and arresting three more persons. The investigation uncovered plans to use fishing vessels to transport the drugs through coastal waters to recipients in Sri Lanka. with indian coast guardthe authorities intercepted a suspicious fishing boat near the international maritime boundary line, effectively thwarting the attempt to cross the border. In addition to the boat, officers also seized two cars and a motorcycle used by the gang.Preliminary findings have identified a Sri Lankan national residing in Sri Lanka as the key figure in financing and coordinating the entire logistics chain in Nepal. The successful seizure adds to the recent string of wins by NCB Chennai, which has seized over 970 kg of cannabis and other synthetic drugs worth Rs. 125 crore since the beginning of the year. As the investigation continues to trace the network’s financial trail and remaining members, officials are urging the public to report any suspicious activity to the MANAS National Narcotics Hotline in 1933.