Mumbai Police’s Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC) busted a ₹2 crore Tramadol racket in Andheri, arresting three individuals linked to courier-based drug distribution. Tramadol, often dubbed the “ISIS drug,” is a psychotropic substance banned for unregulated sale since 2018. The incident highlights ongoing misuse of prescription drugs in illegal networks despite stricter laws. It follows a recent international crackdown on pharma trafficking with links to India, the US, and Europe.

Key highlights

Mumbai ANC arrests three with massive Tramadol stash

• 1,11,440 Tramadol tablets seized from Andheri JB Circle.

• Arrested individuals: Pratik Upadhyay, Yogesh Singh, and Bhavesh Shah.

• Drugs were being distributed via courier services.

Tramadol is a government-regulated psychotropic drug

• Declared as a controlled psychotropic substance in April 2018.

• Belongs to the opioid class, often misused for its addictive effects.

• Known for its illegal usage by terror groups globally.

International drug ring exposed earlier this month

• NCB busted a syndicate operating across four continents.

• Involved cryptocurrency, encrypted messaging, and anonymous shipping.

• Key players identified in Delhi, Roorkee, and Udupi.

• 50 international consignments traced mainly to the US and Australia.

The seizure of such a large quantity of Tramadol in Mumbai once again underscores the scale of India’s illegal pharma trade. While legitimate chemists follow rules and maintain licensing, black market networks continue to exploit loopholes. With rising global scrutiny and local enforcement, the demand for stricter regulation and better tracking of psychotropic substances is more urgent than ever.