The Narcotic Operation

Synopsis

The Narcotic Operation is a gripping Chinese crime drama series starring Duan Yihong, released in 2025 under its original title, 扫毒风暴 (Saodu Fengbao). The show delves deep into the treacherous world of narcotics enforcement, following a specialized anti-drug task force as they take on powerful drug cartels threatening society. Combining intense action sequences, intricate storytelling, and complex character development, the series captures the moral dilemmas and high-stakes challenges faced by law enforcement officers. With its realistic portrayal of drug crime, undercover operations, and the personal sacrifices made by those in the line of duty, The Narcotic Operation offers viewers a suspense-filled journey into the fight against narcotics in contemporary China.

Cast

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  Duan Yihong

  Lin Qiangfeng

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  Qin Hao

  Lu Shaohua

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  Kelly Yu

  Wang Qi

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  Wu Xingjian

  Yang Wei

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  Liu Huan

  Li An

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  Hou Yansong

  Luo Bingzhang

Reviews

The Narcotic Operation has garnered generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, the series holds a rating of 8.1/10, praised for its strong performances, especially that of Duan Yihong, whose portrayal adds depth and authenticity to the lead character. Critics from the South China Morning Post highlighted the show's "intense narrative and realistic depiction of the narcotics underworld," emphasizing its ability to sustain tension across episodes without sacrificing character development. Rotten Tomatoes, while not hosting a formal critic score yet given the show's regional release, reflects a high audience score, with viewers commending the well-choreographed action scenes and the show's commitment to social issues tied to drug enforcement. However, some critics, notably from Variety, have noted pacing issues in the middle episodes and occasional reliance on genre clichés, which can detract slightly from the overall experience. Metacritic scores hover around 75/100, capturing this balance of strengths and minor weaknesses. Overall, The Narcotic Operation is seen as a strong addition to the crime drama genre, particularly for those interested in procedurals with socio-political dimensions.