How Many Clandestine Drug Factories Were Unearthed? 153 Arrested in 5 Years
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Synopsis
Discover how 41 clandestine drug factories were exposed and 153 people arrested over a span of five years, as revealed by Minister of State Nityanand Rai. This article delves into the statistics of drug seizures and the measures taken to combat illegal drug manufacturing in India.
Key Takeaways
- 41 clandestine drug factories dismantled between 2020 and 2024.
- 153 arrests made during the same period.
- 8,609 kg of drugs seized, including Mephedrone.
- Introduction of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to combat precursor chemical trafficking.
- Establishment of Anti-Narcotics Task Forces (ANTFs) in all States/UTs.
New Delhi, Aug 19 (NationPress) Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) have successfully dismantled 41 secret laboratories and apprehended 153 individuals from 2020 to 2024, as reported to the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
In response to a query from Sambit Patra, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, revealed that a total of 8,609 kg of drugs including Mephedrone were confiscated from these illegal drug production sites over the last five years.
The Minister cited data from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), indicating that in 2024 alone, law enforcement agencies disrupted nine clandestine labs, which featured six specifically for Mephedrone.
According to the MoS, the yearly breakdown of laboratories dismantled shows eight in 2023, ten in 2022, nine in 2021, and five in 2020.
Regarding drug seizures, Rai shared that the quantities confiscated were: 1,698 kg in 2024, 561 kg in 2023, 2,732 kg in 2022, 2,002 kg in 2021, and 1,616 kg in 2020.
The Minister noted that a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) was distributed by the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Director Generals of Police (DGPs) across all States and Union Territories to tackle issues related to Precursor Chemical trafficking, including identifying indicators of clandestine labs and controlled substance diversions.
Furthermore, the NCB is partnering with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) of the United States to conduct training sessions for all DLEAs focused on “Clandestine Laboratories and Precursor Chemical Diversion.”
Financial investigations into drug traffickers are also being pursued under Chapter V-A of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Rai highlighted the establishment of a 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) to improve coordination among Central and State agencies. An Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has been set up in all States/UTs, serving as the NCORD secretariat for local enforcement.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the persistent efforts of law enforcement agencies in tackling the grave issue of drug trafficking in India. The dismantling of clandestine laboratories and arrests signify a robust approach towards combating this menace, reflecting the government's commitment to public safety and health. This proactive stance ensures that illicit drug activities are met with appropriate measures, reinforcing the nation's stand against drug-related crimes.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are clandestine drug laboratories?
Clandestine drug laboratories are secret facilities where illegal drugs are produced, often posing significant risks to public health and safety.
How many drug factories were uncovered?
A total of 41 clandestine drug factories were uncovered from 2020 to 2024.
What types of drugs were seized?
During the operations, 8,609 kg of drugs, including Mephedrone, were seized from illegal production centers.
Who is responsible for these operations?
The operations were carried out by Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (DLEAs) under the guidance of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What measures are being taken to combat drug trafficking?
The government has implemented a 4-tier Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) and is conducting training for DLEAs in collaboration with international agencies.
