Illicit Mephedrone Lab Busted in Bhopal; Drugs Worth ₹92 Crore Seized
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a clandestine drug manufacturing facility in Bhopal, seizing 61.20 kg of the synthetic stimulant Mephedrone valued at ₹92 crore. The multi-state operation, codenamed ‘Operation Crystal Break’, led to the arrest of seven individuals, including the chemist and key cartel members in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat. This is the sixth such illicit factory busted by the DRI in the past year, highlighting a major crackdown on narcotics networks.
Unpacked:
Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant and a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. It produces effects similar to cocaine and amphetamines, making it highly addictive and a serious threat to public health due to risks of abuse, dependence, and harmful side effects.
Such factories are often located in secluded or industrial areas, concealed from public view, and use legitimate chemical manufacturing as a cover. They source raw materials covertly and maintain strict secrecy, sometimes using sophisticated methods to avoid law enforcement detection.
Funding for the cartel’s operations was routed through illegal hawala channels, mainly from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal. This helped the network move large sums covertly, enabling the purchase of chemicals, equipment, and payment to operatives without using traceable banking systems.
This is the sixth such factory dismantled by the DRI in the past year, reflecting a major crackdown on synthetic drug networks. Recent years have seen several large-scale mephedrone seizures, indicating growing law enforcement focus and success in disrupting such operations.