Interstate illegal pharma supply and manufacturing network busted

This successful operation is a significant step in combating the illegal production and distribution of controlled substances in India.

The Health Master

May 11, 2024

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NDPS Act Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances — NDPS Act

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Last Updated on May 18, 2024 by The Health Master

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In a significant victory against illegal pharmaceutical activity, the Punjab Police’s Special Task Force (STF) has successfully dismantled a multi-state network manufacturing and distributing controlled substances.

This operation, spanning three months and five states, targeted a pharma factory in Himachal Pradesh suspected of producing illegal psychotropic drugs.

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Unearthing the Network

The investigation began with the arrest of two drug smugglers – Sukhwinder Singh and Jaspreet Singh – in February 2024.

Following a three-month-long probe by the STF’s Border Range unit in Amritsar, authorities were able to trace and apprehend additional individuals involved in the drug trafficking ring.

Key Arrests and Seizures

Initial Apprehensions:

Sukhwinder Singh and Jaspreet Singh were arrested with 4.24 lakh narcotic tablets/capsules and drug money of Rs 1 lakh.

Kingpin Captured:

Following leads, the mastermind of the operation, Alex Paliwal from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, was apprehended.

Authorities seized 9.04 lakh Intoxicant Tablets/capsules and Rs 1.37 lakh drug money from his possession.

Himachal Pradesh Factory Raided:

Based on information from Paliwal, a raid on Biogenetic Drug Private Limited in Himachal Pradesh, conducted in the presence of Drug Control Officers Sukhdeep Singh and Ramneek Singh, revealed the production of over 20 crore Alprazolam tablets within eight months, raising suspicion of illegal activity.

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Tracing the Supply Chain

Maharashtra Connection:

Records from Biogenetic Drug Private Limited indicated supplies to M/s Aster Pharma in Maharashtra.

Further investigation led authorities to Smilex Pharmachem Drug Industries, a sister company of Biogenetic, located in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh.

Smilex Pharmachem Drug Industries Busted:

A significant seizure of 47.32 lakh intoxicant capsules and 725.5 kg of Intoxicant Tramadol Powder (enough to manufacture 1.5 crore capsules) was made at Smilex Pharmachem Drug Industries.

Records showed the purchase of a massive quantity (6500 Kg) of Tramadol powder within a year by the company.

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Further Investigation

Distribution Network Dismantled:

Concurrent investigations into transportation and distribution led to the arrest of Intezar Salmani, Prince Salmani, Baljinder Singh, and Suba Singh, dismantling the drug trafficking network across state borders.

An additional 9.80 lakh intoxicant tablets/capsules were recovered from a vehicle near Chandigarh Railway Station.

Ongoing Investigation:

The Punjab Police continues its investigation, with more arrests anticipated.

Legal Action

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) at Police Station STF, SAS Nagar.

This successful operation is a significant step in combating the illegal production and distribution of controlled substances in India.

The dismantling of this interstate network and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs will help curb their availability and protect public health.

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