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News: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) stopped the illegal diversion of 12 crore high-strength Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets during Operation Vajra and arrested three accused.
About Tramadol Hydrochloride
- Tramadol Hydrochloride is a psychotropic substance and a synthetic analogue of codeine.
- Uses: It is used for the treatment of moderate to severe pain and is considered a Step 2 pain management option on the World Health Organization pain ladder.
- Mechanism:
- Binding to Receptors: It binds weakly to the body’s μ-opioid receptors (pain-controlling receptors in the brain and nervous system ) and helps reduce pain.
- Blocking Pain Signals: It acts as a Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) and blocks pain signals in the central nervous system.
- Fighter Drug: It has been illegally abused in conflict zones to suppress pain, fatigue, and fear among fighters, due to which it has earned the nickname “fighter drug.”
- Impacts:
- Illegal diversion: It can be diverted into illicit international channels and conflict zones.
- Drug trafficking: Its illegal trafficking supports transnational organized drug networks.
- Regulation in India:
- Legality: Tramadol is regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985
- Operation Vajra: Under this operation, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) used risk-based export control, intelligence sharing, and inter-agency coordination to prevent the illegal diversion of Tramadol and strengthen India’s regulatory framework.
