Massive Seizure of Tramadol at Mundra Port

The Customs department at Mundra port in Gujarat seized 68 lakh Tramadol tablets worth Rs 110 crore from export containers destined for Sierra Leone and Niger. Tramadol, an opioid pain medication, is a restricted psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act. This is one of the largest seizures of Tramadol since 2018.

The Customs department at Mundra port in Gujarat's Kutch district has seized 68 lakh tablets of Tramadol worth Rs 110 crore from two export containers destined for Sierra Leone and Niger. This synthetic opioid drug, often dubbed the 'fighter drug', is reportedly used by ISIS fighters to stay awake for extended periods, a PIB release stated on Monday.

Tramadol, an opioid medication, was classified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act in 2018, making its export highly restricted. According to the release, this operation marks one of the largest seizures of Tramadol since the drug gained its controlled status.

Gathered intelligence by the Special Intelligence & Investigation Branch of Mundra Customs led to the interception and examination of two consignments from a Rajkot-based exporter. Although the documents claimed the shipment contained Diclofenac and Gebedol tablets, a detailed inspection revealed boxes of undeclared 'Tramaking 225' and 'Royal-225', both containing Tramadol Hydrochloride 225 mg tablets, hidden behind the declared items.

The Customs department recovered a total of 68 lakh Tramadol tablets with an international street value of approximately Rs 110 crore. Follow-up searches are ongoing in Rajkot, Gandhinagar, and Gandhidham, as per the release.

Tramadol is in high demand in African nations like Nigeria and Ghana, fueling its illegal export, the release added.

(With inputs from agencies.)