In a sweeping nationwide offensive against narcotics, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated a staggering quantity of illicit drugs and arrested nearly a thousand traffickers in 2025. The agency's year-end report, released on Wednesday, details a year of intensified operations that significantly disrupted drug networks across India and beyond.
Record Haul and Convictions
The NCB's efforts culminated in the seizure of nearly 1.3 lakh kilograms of banned substances, with an estimated street value of around Rs 2,000 crore. The crackdown, spanning major hubs like Delhi and Mumbai, led to the arrest of 994 drug traffickers. This group included 25 foreign nationals, highlighting the international dimension of the trade.
The legal pursuit was equally vigorous. The bureau registered 447 cases and secured the conviction of 265 offenders, which included nine foreigners. Notably, 39 convicts received the maximum sentence of 20 years, while 210 were handed prison terms between 10 and 20 years. Courts also imposed total fines of Rs 3.3 crore.
A key achievement was the sharp rise in the conviction rate, which climbed to nearly 67% in 2025 from 60.8% the previous year. This improvement was attributed to closer monitoring of trial cases at zonal, regional, and headquarters levels.
Targeting Global Syndicates and Infrastructure
A major focus for the NCB was dismantling international drug cartels. To this end, the agency issued 37 Interpol notices—including red, blue, and silver corner notices—against fugitive traffickers. Its global reach was demonstrated by the successful deportation of five absconding accused from the United Arab Emirates, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia.
High-profile operations underscored this global footprint. Operation Crystal Fortress led to the seizure of 328 kg of methamphetamine in Delhi. Operation Med Max exposed a complex pharmaceutical trafficking network operating in over 10 countries across four continents. Another mission, Operation Ketamelon, resulted in the busting of a major darknet syndicate.
The bureau also intensified action against the infrastructure supporting drug production. It busted six clandestine laboratories in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh, seizing 110 kg of synthetic drugs. To choke the financial lifeblood of these syndicates, assets worth Rs 96.7 crore were frozen in 70 separate cases.
Preventing Recirculation and Public Role
To ensure seized narcotics did not re-enter the market, the NCB destroyed 77,773 kg of confiscated drugs. Public participation played a crucial role in the agency's success. The Union government's Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra helpline (1933) recorded a massive 1.19 lakh citizen interactions. These tips proved invaluable, helping the bureau zero in on 110 specific cases that led to multiple seizures.
The NCB's comprehensive report for 2025 paints a picture of an agency aggressively targeting the narcotics trade from the street level to international kingpins, leveraging legal rigor, financial scrutiny, and public cooperation to deliver a significant blow to drug networks in India.
