Chennai, Tamil Nadu: In line with the Government of India’s vision of a Drug-Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat) and the directives of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai Zone recorded significant achievements in 2025 through sustained, intelligence-driven, and multi-dimensional operations against drug trafficking and its financial networks.
During 2025, NCB Chennai Zone seized 2,362.770 kg of narcotic drugs and arrested 46 persons. Of the total seizures, 2,344.470 kg was ganja and 11.725 kg comprised synthetic drugs. In notable joint operations with the Customs Intelligence Unit, 7.618 kg of cocaine was seized and four accused were arrested as part of a pan-India operation.
With a strong focus on dismantling the financial backbone of drug syndicates, financial investigations were initiated against six accused, leading to the freezing of assets worth ₹12.33 crore, including movable and immovable properties. In a significant breakthrough, a hawala operator based in Dubai, involved in drug trafficking between India and Sri Lanka, was arrested while attempting to flee the country, and assets worth ₹2 crore were frozen in April 2025.
On the prosecution front, 15 cases were disposed of, of which 11 resulted in convictions, achieving an impressive conviction rate of 73.33%. Convicted offenders were sentenced to 10 to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. Properties worth ₹1.20 crore belonging to convicted persons have been identified, and proposals have been forwarded to SAFEMA for forfeiture. Effective trial monitoring also resulted in confirmation of convictions in 12 cases by the Hon’ble High Court, reflecting improved case disposal and judicial coordination.
Efficient coordination with the judiciary enabled smooth sampling and certification of seized contraband, resulting in the disposal of 4,341.46 kg of drugs and two vehicles. Additionally, 7,185.142 kg of drugs are scheduled for disposal through incineration in January 2026.
NCB Chennai Zone also intensified its cyber surveillance, leading to the busting of a darknet drug vendor operating under the alias “KETAMELON” in Kochi. Since 2023, the Zone has dismantled **three major darknet cartels. In view of increasing misuse of dark net platforms and crypto currencies by youth, awareness programmes are being conducted in educational institutions to promote drug-free campuses.
Sustained follow-up on pending cases led to the arrest of six absconders during the year, including offenders wanted since 2007 and 2010, demonstrating NCB’s long-term commitment to justice. International cooperation was further strengthened through Interpol coordination and the 4th DG-level talks with Sri Lanka’s Police Narcotics Bureau, held in Chennai in July 2025.
In coordination with the Tamil Nadu Police, Prison Department, and Bureau of Immigration, eight foreign offenders who had completed their sentences were identified and deported after being housed at the Special Camp for Foreigners, Tiruchirappalli.
Emerging trends indicate a decline in ATS consumption, with a shift towards hydroponic weed and prescription drugs, which remains a key focus area for enforcement and preventive action.
The NCB Chennai Zone reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to combating drug trafficking through robust enforcement, strong prosecution, financial disruption, technological monitoring, and international cooperation. Citizens are urged to actively support this mission by sharing information related to narcotic offences through the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline (Toll Free: 1933).
