In a coordinated effort, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), along with the Rajasthan and Maharashtra Police, have successfully dismantled an inter-state drug syndicate involved in the illicit manufacturing of synthetic drugs. The operation, which unfolded over the past week, led to the discovery of clandestine laboratories in Rajasthan and Maharashtra, resulting in the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs and precursor chemicals.
On July 22, authorities discovered a drug laboratory cleverly concealed inside a buffalo barn in a remote village in the Barmer district of Rajasthan. During the raid, the Barmer police recovered a variety of precursor chemicals and equipment used in the manufacture of Mephedrone, including chloroform, ammonium chloride, propylene chloride, toluene, and bromine. Two members of the syndicate were apprehended at the scene, and the NCB's Jodhpur unit joined the local police in the investigation.
The interrogation of the detained individuals revealed the involvement of a resident of the Raigad district in Maharashtra, who was allegedly responsible for transporting the chemicals and equipment to establish the illicit lab in Rajasthan. Acting on this information, the Raigad police detained the suspect, who confessed to previously working at a now-defunct factory.
A subsequent search of the abandoned factory premises led to the seizure of approximately 34 kg of Ketamine in powdered form and 12 liters of Ketamine in liquid form. Additionally, authorities discovered a cache of chemicals, including chloroform, ammonium chloride, propylene chloride, toluene, bromine, and cyclohexanone, along with various laboratory instruments. According to a statement by the NCB, the closed premises were being used to clandestinely manufacture Ketamine.
The investigation has uncovered the involvement of a mastermind with a history of drug trafficking cases with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and NCB. Authorities are actively pursuing this individual to bring them to justice.
The NCB highlighted that a clandestine laboratory manufacturing Mephedrone was previously busted by the NCB Jodhpur unit in Sri Ganganagar, where 5 kg of the drug and precursor chemicals were recovered. In that case, the arrested individuals included people with backgrounds in physics and chemistry, highlighting the concerning trend of involving skilled individuals in drug manufacturing.
In response to the increasing prevalence of synthetic drug manufacturing in hidden locations, the NCB has distributed a list of "red flag indicators" to all State Directors General of Police to help identify such facilities. These indicators are designed to raise awareness and improve the detection of clandestine drug labs across the country.
The joint operation underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combat the menace of drug trafficking and synthetic drug manufacturing. By sharing information and coordinating efforts across state lines, the NCB, Rajasthan Police, and Maharashtra Police have demonstrated their effectiveness in disrupting drug syndicates and protecting communities from the harmful effects of drug abuse. The ongoing investigation is expected to reveal further details about the syndicate's operations and lead to the arrest of other individuals involved.
