Overview

• On June 17 the ED enlisted the Narcotics Control Bureau to conduct simultaneous raids at 16 sites across six states to dismantle a module supplying the regulated opioid tramadol.
• Investigators now suspect four pharmaceutical firms in Uttar Pradesh of diverting large consignments of tramadol for illegal distribution in Punjab.
• The probe is comparing companies’ reported tramadol production volumes with their authorized sales records.
• Officials say the trafficking network relied on a nexus of pharma employees, wholesale distributors and retailers to siphon off the drug.
• Authorities warn that unprescribed tramadol poses severe health risks, with further seizures and arrests anticipated.