Chennai: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a multi-phase ‘Operation Garuda’ against illicit drug trafficking network, registered 127 new cases, arrested 175 people and seized huge quantity of narcotic drugs.
During this Special Operation from several State Police forces including Punjab, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Maharashtra
and NCB, around 6600 suspects/persons checked; 127 new cases registered and around 175 persons including six Absconders/
Proclaimed Offenders arrested.
Illicit Drugs and Psychotropic Substances including 5.125 kg heroin; 33.936 kg Ganja; 3.29 kg Charas; 1365 gm Mephedrone; 33.80 Smack; around 87 tablets, 122 injections and 87 syringes of Buprenorphine; 946 Tablets of Alpazolam; 105.997 kg Tramadol; 10 gm Hash oil; 0.9 gm ecstacy pills; 1.150 kg Opium; 30 kg Poppy Husk; 1.437 kg Intoxicant powder and 11,039 Pills/Capsules, were recovered.
A CBI release here today said the operation seeks to disrupt, degrade and dismantle drug networks with international linkages through rapid exchange of criminal intelligence on drug trafficking and coordinated law enforcement actions across international
jurisdiction through Interpol.
This global operation was initiated in close coordination with Interpol and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for combating
smuggling of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances, with special focus on Indian Ocean Region.
Drug trafficking networks with international linkages require law enforcement cooperation across international jurisdiction. ‘Operation Garuda’, CBI led global operation, seeks to target drug networks with international footprints for action against
handlers, operatives, production zones and support elements.
The CBI and NCB have been closely coordinating with all States/UTs Police agencies for information exchange, analysis and development of operational information. During the Operation Garuda searches, seizures and arrests were carried out across multiple States/UT in India. Apart from CBI and NCB, eight States/UT Police including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Manipur have also participated in this Operation.