On April 26, 2023, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in India launched Operation WIPE (Web-based Illicit Activities Prevention & Enforcement) to curb the rising threat of online drug trafficking. This initiative aims to prevent the misuse of digital platforms for the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Operation WIPE builds on the achievements of Operation MED-MAX, which successfully dismantled a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking syndicate operating across continents, including Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. This earlier operation was conducted in collaboration with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other international law enforcement agencies.

The NCB's recent investigations revealed that the syndicate operated a call center in Udupi, Karnataka, handling global orders through online platforms, while payments were processed using cryptocurrencies and other remittance channels. In response, Operation WIPE will focus on proactive monitoring of the surface web to identify and disrupt similar illegal activities. The NCB has already identified 122 instances involving 62 substances, including commonly abused drugs like Clonazepam and Fentanyl. Online platforms have been formally notified to take immediate action against misuse, leading to the removal of flagged products and the suspension of suspicious vendors. The operation signifies a strategic shift towards proactive prevention, enhancing India's capability to combat drug trafficking in both physical and digital realms. Citizens are urged to report any suspicious online drug activities through the MANAS – National Narcotics Helpline (Toll-Free No. 1933), with assurances of confidentiality for informants.