NARCOTICS CONTROL BUREAU (NCB) EXECUTED OPERATION WHITE STRIKE

Why In News?

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) executed Operation WHITE STRIKE, dismantling a massive transnational cocaine trafficking syndicate in Mumbai.  

What was Operation WHITE STRIKE?

It was a large-scale, intelligence-driven anti-narcotics crackdown conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) aimed at dismantling an organized, transnational cocaine trafficking syndicate operating through India's logistics networks. 

The operation led to the seizure of 349 kg of high-grade cocaine, valued at approximately ₹1,745 crore, in the Mumbai area. 

About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB)

The NCB is a law enforcement and intelligence agency focused on combating drug trafficking and the use of illegal substances.

• Parent Agency: It operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Legal Framework: It was established under Section 4(3) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
• The agency also enforces provisions of the Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1988.
• Motto: "Intelligence, Enforcement, Coordination" 

Key Functions

Coordination: Acts as the nodal agency coordinating drug law enforcement actions among various Central and State agencies, including Customs, State Police, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

International Obligations: Implements India's commitments under major international treaties, including the 1971 Convention Against Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic. It also assists foreign and international drug law enforcement agencies.

Enforcement Tactics: Responsible for combating trafficking through intelligence gathering, eradicating illicit drug crops, preventing leakages from licit opium crops, and controlling domestic and international trade of precursor chemicals.

Border Monitoring: Monitors India's frontiers to intercept drug smuggling activities by foreign traffickers.

Organizational Structure

• Leadership: The bureau is headed by a Director General (DG), an officer from the Indian Police Service (IPS) or Indian Revenue Service (IRS).
• Zonal Presence: It operates through various Zones and Sub-zones located in key cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Patna to ensure nationwide coverage. 

Recent Achievements

• Conviction Rate: In 2025, the NCB achieved a conviction rate of 66.8% in drug cases, an increase from 60.8% in the previous year. (Source: Narcotics Control Bureau)
• Drug Disposal: The agency destroyed 77,773 kilograms of seized narcotic drugs in 2025, valued at approximately ₹3,889 crores. (Source: Narcotics Control Bureau)
• Asset Freezing: In 2025, the NCB froze assets worth ₹96.69 crore in 70 cases to target the financial proceeds of drug trafficking. (Source: Narcotics Control Bureau) 

Source: PIB