Bhopal: In one of its largest recent crackdowns, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has seized 51.992 kg of high-quality Methamphetamine (MD), over 260 kg of precursor chemicals, and sophisticated equipment after unearthing a clandestine drug manufacturing unit near Mhow in Madhya Pradesh.
The contraband and chemicals were seized under provisions of the NDPS Act.
Bus Interception in Mandsaur
The operation began on the night of February 13 when CBN’s Neemuch branch received specific intelligence inputs. A team was dispatched to Mandsaur, where officers intercepted a bus and searched two suspicious passengers.
One of the passengers was found carrying a box and admitted it contained MD. Another accomplice seated separately was identified, and a second suspicious box was recovered from beneath his seat.
Upon examination, officials recovered 8.172 kg of high-purity Methamphetamine in crystal form, packed in five polythene packets across the two boxes. Both individuals admitted to possession of the narcotics during questioning.
Trail Leads to Clandestine Laboratory
Further interrogation revealed that the accused were transporting the drugs directly from an illegal manufacturing facility.
A coordinated search operation was launched by a special team comprising officers from Ujjain, Jaora, Mandsaur, and Neemuch. Subsequent investigation led authorities to a suspected laboratory located near Mhow, close to Indore.
On the morning of February 14, officers identified the premises matching the description provided. However, strong chemical fumes and hazardous conditions initially prevented immediate entry.
A specialised team equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was mobilised from Neemuch to safely conduct the search.
Sophisticated Setup Dismantled
Officials found the laboratory equipped with modern plant installations and advanced machinery. Due to the technical complexity of dismantling the setup, assistance was sought from the Government Opium and Alkaloid Works (GOAW), Neemuch.
A four-member team of engineers and chemists from GOAW arrived at the site around midnight on February 15. The plant and machinery were dismantled and seized, with the entire operation concluding in the early hours of February 15.
In total, 43.820 kg of MD was recovered from the laboratory, bringing the overall seizure in the operation to 51.992 kg.
The two individuals intercepted in Mandsaur have been formally charged under the NDPS Act. The owner of the house where the illegal laboratory was operating has also been detained for further investigation.
