Drug Manufacturing Lab Uncovered in Mandsaur, MP
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Synopsis
The Central Narcotics Bureau (CBN) has uncovered a secret MDMA manufacturing lab in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh. The operation resulted in the recovery of significant quantities of chemicals and the arrest of one individual related to the illicit drug activities.
Key Takeaways
- Clandestine MDMA lab discovered.
- 80.96 kg and 7.5 liters of chemicals seized.
- One arrest made under NDPS Act.
- Equipment recovered capable of producing over 50 kg of MDMA monthly.
- Political controversy following previous drug busts.
Bhopal, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Central Narcotics Bureau (CBN) on Tuesday uncovered an illicit lab producing MDMA, a psychoactive substance, in a secluded region of Madhya Pradesh's Mandsaur district.
The operation was initiated based on information received by the CBN unit, leading to a search in an orange grove near Kharkheda village within Garoth tehsil, where the hidden lab was discovered, according to a statement from the CBN.
Authorities seized 80.96 kg and 7.5 liters of various chemicals, including acetone, toluene, hydrochloric acid, sodium sulfate, sodium carbonate, sulfuric acid, bromine water, and ethanol.
One individual has been detained in connection with the incident, facing charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The investigation of the detained suspect is ongoing, as stated by the agency.
Additionally, CBN officials recovered specialized equipment such as a UV controller, vacuum oven, scales, test tubes, funnels, and other related materials from the site.
According to the agency, the quantity of seized chemicals and tools is sufficient to produce over 50 kg of illegal MDMA powder each month.
The agency reported that the lab was situated in a distant area, requiring officials to access the location on foot, where they found a structure hidden within the orange grove.
During interrogation, the suspect disclosed that additional chemicals required for MDMA production were buried in an adjacent field.
The area was excavated, and further contraband was confiscated, the statement noted.
In October of the previous year, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad and the Narcotics Control Bureau seized 907.09 kg of mephedrone estimated at Rs 1,814 crore from a facility in Bhopal.
Following that event, the Madhya Pradesh Police's crime branch apprehended a 31-year-old from Mandsaur linked to drug trafficking and confiscated 48.29 grams of brown sugar, valued at nearly Rs 4.8 lakh on the international market.
Subsequently, four additional individuals were arrested in Mandsaur, igniting a political controversy as the Opposition Congress claimed that the primary suspect had close ties to Jagadish Devda, the Deputy Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, who also originates from Mandsaur.
