CHENNAI: Two officers of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai zone, have been awarded the Kendriya Grihmantri Dakshata Padak for 2026 in the field of intelligence for their role in identifying and dismantling transnational drug cartels operating through the darknet and using cryptocurrencies.The awardees are P Aravindhan, IPS, additional director, and Jubin Sam, sub-inspector.The officers were recognised for their efforts in identifying and busting drug trafficking networks that used the darknet and cryptocurrency transactions to operate across international borders, making their activities difficult for enforcement agencies to track.The NCB Chennai zone played a key role in identifying and dismantling two major darknet-based drug cartels in 2026. It also busted one such cartel in 2025. The operations involved intelligence gathering and efforts to track the networks operating through encrypted online platforms and digital payment channels.The medal recognises their contribution to intelligence-led efforts against organised transnational drug trafficking.
