In a major breakthrough against courier-based narcotics trafficking, Tamil Nadu Police arrested two kingpin operators from Ambala Cantonment, Haryana, uncovering a multi-state network that smuggled Tapentadol tablets across 19 States and Union Territories
Madurai: A series of parcels containing opioid painkillers intercepted in southern Tamil Nadu has led police to two drug kingpins in Haryana and exposed 588 suspicious shipments destined for 19 states and Union Territories. Mahender Singh Bisht and Sunil Kumar were arrested in Ambala on Nov 2 under Operation Deep Source, south zone inspector general of police Vijayendra S Bidari said on Friday. Police registered seven cases across Madurai, Dindigul and Theni districts, seized 4,400 tablets, including those marketed as Tydol, and arrested 18 suspects during the investigation.
The operation was launched in July following intelligence about illegal distribution of tapentadol, a prescription opioid painkiller, through postal and private courier services.
The accused used fictitious names, including Aatish Bhardwaj, Azeez Bharadwaj and Ashish Bharadwaj, along with false sender addresses to evade detection, said an official release. Bidari said investigators were examining bank accounts, financial transactions and communication records to identify other associates and beneficiaries. Police subsequently alerted courier agencies to identify suspicious consignments arriving from outside Tamil Nadu. A special team obtained a transit warrant from an Ambala court before bringing the two alleged operators to Tamil Nadu. Information was also being shared with police in other states for further action.