The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has secured a major conviction in a high-profile case involving the diversion of drug-making chemicals. In a case investigated by NCB’s Ahmedabad Zonal Unit, a court in Gujarat has convicted Alps Life Sciences Private Limited of Sonipat and three of its senior officials for illegally diverting pseudoephedrine, a key precursor used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Based on specific intelligence received in March 2023, NCB intercepted a container at Pipavav Port, Gujarat, which was destined for export to Africa. The consignment, originating from ICD Panchi, Sonipat, consisted of approximately 60 lakh pharmaceutical capsules declared as containing ephedrine/pseudoephedrine. During the investigation, it was revealed that the consignment included three products-ALPCIT, COLDFIT and T-DOL. While ALPCIT legitimately contained pseudoephedrine, the other two products were falsely declared as containing the controlled substance.

Yesterday, the court sentenced all three accused to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed fines. The company was also fined. NCB said the conviction sends a strong warning against misuse of pharmaceutical supply chains and reaffirmed its commitment to a Drug-Free India, urging the public to share information via the MANAS helpline, 1933.