In a decisive move to cripple the economic power of drug trafficking networks, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai Zone, has frozen illegally acquired assets worth a staggering ₹12.33 crore in the year 2025. This aggressive action marks a strategic pivot from making routine arrests to conducting sustained financial investigations aimed at dismantling the very backbone of organised narcotics syndicates.
Financial Crackdown and Key Arrests
The Chennai zone, in an official press release, highlighted its intensified focus on following the money trails associated with the narcotics trade. This proactive approach led to a significant arrest of a Dubai-based hawala operator who was instrumental in facilitating drug trafficking between India and Sri Lanka. He was apprehended while attempting to flee the country. Following his arrest in April 2025, authorities identified and froze assets worth ₹2 crore linked directly to his illicit operations.
Massive Drug Seizures and Conviction Success
On the ground enforcement front, the NCB Chennai Zone recorded substantial successes. Throughout the year, it seized a total of 2,362 kilograms of narcotic drugs and arrested 46 persons. The bulk of the seizures comprised 2,344 kg of ganja, while 11 kg were synthetic drugs. A major breakthrough was achieved through a joint operation with the customs intelligence unit, leading to the seizure of 7.6 kg of cocaine and the arrest of four individuals as part of a pan-India network.
Prosecution outcomes saw a marked improvement, with 15 cases disposed of during 2025. Impressively, 11 of these cases ended in conviction, recording a high conviction rate of 73.33%. The convicted individuals received severe sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. To further the financial blow, authorities initiated confiscation proceedings for properties belonging to the convicts. Assets worth ₹1.20 crore have been identified, with proposals forwarded under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (SAFEMA).
Darknet Marketplace Crackdown
Recognising modern threats, the Chennai Zone also ramped up its surveillance of darknet marketplaces. Since 2023, it has successfully dismantled three major darknet cartels. One notable operation targeted a vendor operating under the alias ‘KETAMELON’ in Kochi. Officials emphasized the importance of this crackdown, given the rising trend of youngsters using encrypted darknet platforms and cryptocurrencies to procure illegal drugs.
The NCB has urged the public to join the fight against drug trafficking by sharing any credible information related to narcotics through the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline (toll-free number 1933).
