What Led to the Discovery of a Drug Syndicate in Rajasthan’s Barmer?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two suspects arrested in Barmer drug bust.
- Clandestine facility operated in a buffalo barn.
- Authorities seized multiple precursor chemicals and lab equipment.
- Investigation revealed a wider network of drug trafficking.
- NCB shared indicators to identify similar facilities.
New Delhi, July 27 (NationPress) A major inter-state drug operation targeting the production of synthetic drugs was uncovered in the Barmer district of Rajasthan, resulting in the detention of two suspects during a coordinated effort by the Rajasthan Police, Maharashtra Police, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), as confirmed by an official on Sunday.
The illegal facility, disguised as a buffalo barn in the remote Dholakia village, was discovered between July 22-23, according to the official report.
Authorities from Barmer district seized numerous precursor chemicals such as Chloroform, Ammonium Chloride, Propylene Chloride, Toluene, and Bromine, along with laboratory equipment intended for producing the synthetic drug Mephedrone, as outlined in a statement from the NCB.
During the operation, two individuals linked to the drug syndicate were apprehended, with the NCB's Jodhpur team collaborating closely with local police on the case.
Interrogation of the suspects revealed connections to other syndicate members, including one individual from Raigad district in Maharashtra, who played a crucial role in transporting chemicals and equipment to establish the covert operation, the statement detailed.
Information regarding the Maharashtra suspect was promptly relayed to the Raigad Police by the NCB, leading to his arrest. Upon questioning, it was disclosed that he had previously worked at a now-defunct factory of Rohan Chemicals located in Mahad, Raigad.
A search of Rohan Chemicals' premises by the NCB and the Raigad district police resulted in the recovery of approximately 34 kg of Ketamine in powdered form and 12 liters of Ketamine in liquid form.
Alongside this, various precursor chemicals including Chloroform, Ammonium Chloride, Propylene Chloride, Toluene, Bromine, and Cyclohexanone were located, along with lab apparatus. The abandoned site had been covertly utilized for Ketamine production.
Investigations have further unveiled the presence of a mastermind previously associated with other drug trafficking incidents involving the DRI and NCB, the statement noted.
Previously, an NCB Jodhpur operation dismantled a clandestine lab in Sri Ganganagar, leading to the seizure of 5 kg of Mephedrone and the arrest of individuals including physics and chemistry educators.
In an effort to curb the trend of synthetic drug manufacturing in secretive setups, the NCB has provided state police chiefs with “red flag indicators” to assist in identifying such operations, the statement concluded.