The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has introduced “Operation WIPE” (Web-based Illicit Activities Prevention & Enforcement) as part of its efforts to address the rising menace of online drug trafficking. This initiative was officially announced on April 26, 2023, in New Delhi, aiming to thwart the illegal sale and distribution of pharmaceutical drugs governed by the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).

Operation WIPE builds on the achievements of a previous operation, “MED-MAX,” undertaken in July 2025. During that operation, NCB successfully dismantled a complex transnational drug trafficking network that spanned Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia, with assistance from international law enforcement agencies, including the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

This new initiative stems from intelligence collaboration between NCB and DEA, following an incident that involved the seizure of 3.7 kg of tramadol tablets in India. Investigations revealed a sophisticated organised network exploiting digital platforms for its illicit operations.

Methodology and Collaborations

The illicit operation reportedly established a call centre in Udupi, Karnataka, managing global orders via a prominent online business-to-business platform. Pharmaceutical products subject to the NDPS Act were allegedly listed for sale online, reaching customers directly without legitimate documentation.

Payments for these illegal transactions were conducted using cryptocurrencies, PayPal, and various remittance channels, with international shippers responsible for last-mile delivery. Collaborative efforts with global partners led to several arrests, the identification of an alleged kingpin in the UAE, and enforcement actions that included the seizure of substances and closure of secret facilities.

Operation WIPE will implement proactive strategies to monitor the surface web, aiming to disrupt such illegal activities before they escalate. This initiative is bolstered by inputs from the International Narcotics Control Board’s SNOOP programme, which focuses on scanning novel opioids available on online platforms.

Immediate Actions and Future Strategies

Under this initiative, NCB has reportedly identified 122 instances related to 62 different substances, which include commonly abused drugs like Clonazepam, Diazepam, and Fentanyl. Among these substances, 58 are regulated under the NDPS Act, while four are recognised as controlled substances.

The NCB has issued formal notices to relevant online platforms, urging them to respond promptly to prevent the misuse of their services. A comprehensive list of NDPS-regulated substances has been circulated to facilitate the identification and removal of illegal listings.

Platforms such as India MART, Tradeindia, and Dial4Trade have initiated corrective actions, which include removing flagged products and suspending suspicious vendors. NCB’s technical teams continue to employ advanced tools and international intelligence to monitor the surface web effectively, thereby identifying emerging threats for timely intervention.

Operation WIPE signifies a strategic transition from reactive enforcement towards proactive prevention, aiming to detect and eliminate illegal listings before they can lead to actual trafficking. This approach enhances India’s capacity to tackle drug networks operating in both physical and digital realms, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on narcotics.

The NCB encourages citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities related to the sale of narcotic drugs or controlled pharmaceuticals across online marketplaces and social media platforms. Information can be shared anonymously through the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline at the toll-free number 1933.

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