Was an Illegal Mephedrone Factory Busted in MP's Agar Malwa?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- CBN dismantled an illegal mephedrone lab in Agar Malwa.
- Seized 31.25 kg of mephedrone valued at Rs 10 crore.
- Operation highlights the risk of rural exploitation.
- Investigation ongoing to identify those involved.
- CBN enhancing surveillance to tackle drug trafficking.
Bhopal, Jan 10 (NationPress) In a major crackdown on synthetic drug trafficking, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has uncovered an illicit facility manufacturing mephedrone (often referred to as MD drugs) in Aamla village of Agar Malwa district.
This unauthorized operation was conducted discreetly within Teerth Herbal Nursery, a farmhouse situated roughly 20 km from the district center along the Indore-Kota National Highway. Authorities believe that the establishment had been functional for a considerable duration, camouflaging large-scale drug production under the guise of legitimate nursery activities.
The successful operation was initiated following a reliable tip-off received by the Ujjain unit of the CBN, under the leadership of Superintendent Mukesh Khatri. The intelligence indicated that a significant shipment of finished mephedrone was anticipated to be collected from the site on January 10, between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.
A strategically coordinated team, supported by Neemuch-Jawra Superintendent V.S. Kumar, encircled the farmhouse around 4:30 a.m. After maintaining vigilant observation until 10 a.m., and with no one arriving for the consignment, officers proceeded to enter the premises and execute a thorough search, as reported by officials.
Deputy Narcotics Commissioner Nikhil Gandhi stated: “The Ujjain branch of the Central Bureau of Narcotics received a confidential tip regarding a substantial delivery of MD drugs destined for a nursery in the interior of Aamla between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. today. Acting on this information, our team arrived in the early hours. However, after waiting until 10 a.m. without any collection, we entered the premises and searched for the hidden MD lab. Three individuals have been detained in connection with this case.”
During the operation, officials seized 31.25 kg of mephedrone valued at nearly Rs 10 crore in the domestic market. Additionally, around 600 kg of precursor chemicals utilized in the production process, along with advanced laboratory apparatus, glassware, and other processing equipment, were confiscated.
At the time of entry, the site was found unoccupied, and no arrests have been executed so far. Investigators suspect that the operation may be part of a broader interstate or cross-border narcotics network.
A comprehensive investigation is currently underway to determine the ownership of the property, identify the individuals involved—including potential chemists, operators, and financiers—and apprehend those intended to collect the shipment.
This seizure underscores the escalating sophistication of drug syndicates that increasingly exploit rural and semi-urban locales, utilizing seemingly harmless agricultural setups to conceal illegal production.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics is actively enhancing surveillance and operations throughout Madhya Pradesh to dismantle such covert laboratories and curb the proliferation of perilous synthetic drugs.
Major drug bust in Madhya Pradesh: Illegal mephedrone lab dismantled in Agar Malwa, drugs valued at approximately Rs 10 crore seized.