Operation Med-Max: A Legal Case Study on the Enforcement of NDPS Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, CGST Act, 2017, Customs Act, 1962 and Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
Lead author · Corresponding
Srinivasan Gopal, IRS
Assistant Director (Narcotics) at National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes and Narcotics, Palasamudram, India
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DOIhttps://doij.org/10.10000/IJLMH.1110465
Abstract
Operation Med-Mex explores a high-tech, narcotics trafficking network uncovered by the Narcotics Control Bureau, India. The syndicate used encrypted communication, cryptocurrency, and B2B commerce to traffic tramadol globally—deliberately avoiding domestic distribution. Operating through a covert call centre in Udupi, it leveraged educated operatives and decentralized logistics to build an international supply chain. The case examines the convergence of technology, pharmaceutical loopholes, and transnational crime.
Keywords
Operation Med Max
tramadol
reshipper
drop-shipping
predicate offence
NDPS Act
1985
transactional crime
illegal factory
NCB
multi-country operation
NPS
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