CHENNAI: Among many major narcotics seizures in 2025, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai Zone, made a massive bust of a darknet drug cartel, the agency said.

In 2025, NCB Chennai zone effected seizure of 2362.7 kg of narcotic drugs, of which 2344.5 kg comprised ganja and 11.7 kg were synthetic drugs. A total of 46 persons were arrested.

The NCB Chennai Zone also conducted effective monitoring and patrolling of darknet marketplaces, leading to the busting of a darknet vendor operating under the alias "KETAMELON" in Kochi. Since 2023, the Chennai Zone has dismantled three major darknet cartels.

During 2025, financial investigations were conducted against six persons, resulting in the freezing of assets worth Rs 12.33 crore, including movable and immovable properties.

"A significant case involved the identification and arrest of a hawala operator operating from Dubai, who was facilitating drug trafficking between India and Sri Lanka. The accused was arrested while attempting to flee the country, and illegally acquired assets worth Rs 2 crore were frozen in April 2025," a statement from NCB said.

In 2025, 15 cases were disposed of in courts, of which 11 resulted in convictions, with sentences ranging from 10 to 20 years rigorous imprisonment.

The narcotics watchdog has also further strengthened cooperation with Interpol and drug law enforcement agencies of other countries, including Sri Lanka. Among absconders, two were apprehended upon their return from Colombo, while others were arrested in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, who were wanted in cases registered in 2007 and 2010, highlighting NCB's sustained efforts to bring fugitives to justice by identifying forward and backward linkages.

"Emerging trafficking trends indicate a decline in the consumption of ATS, with a noticeable shift towards hydroponic weed and prescription drugs, which continues to remain an area of focused enforcement and preventive action," the agency stated.