Bengaluru, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully dismantled a significant inter-state drug trafficking operation along with an illegal drug manufacturing facility located in Mysuru, Karnataka, as per the official announcement made by the NCB on Friday.

In the operation, drugs valued at approximately Rs 10 crore in the illicit market, along with Rs 25.6 lakhs in cash, a Toyota Fortuner vehicle, and over 500 kilograms of various chemicals have been confiscated thus far.

"The facility situated in the Hebbal Industrial Area of Mysuru, Karnataka, containing the illegal lab, has been sealed for forensic investigation," the statement read.

The NCB emphasized that in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a drug-free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat), and following the instructions from the Union Home Minister, the NCB has made considerable progress in dismantling a major inter-state drug trafficking network and shutting down this clandestine lab.

On January 28, based on intelligence reports, a Toyota Fortuner SUV with Karnataka registration was stopped in Palsana, Surat district, Gujarat, leading to the discovery of approximately 35 kg of Mephedrone (MD) from the vehicle.

Subsequently, a search conducted at the residence of Mahindra Kumar Vishnoi, the mastermind behind this drug network in Dastan Residency, Palsana, uncovered 1.8 kg of Opium, cash totaling Rs. 25.6 lakh, and various chemicals. This operation was executed with the cooperation of the Surat Police, according to the NCB.

Three individuals, including the mastermind Mahindra Kumar Vishnoi, who were engaged in transporting these substances for further distribution in Rajasthan, have been apprehended.

Investigations have disclosed that Mahindra Kumar Vishnoi, previously involved in the trafficking of opium and smack, conceived the notion of producing synthetic drugs after discussions with other inmates while imprisoned for an NDPS case.

During his time in jail, he gained insights into the production processes and market dynamics of synthetic narcotics, which he later implemented upon his release on bail by establishing an underground manufacturing facility in Mysuru, Karnataka.

The NCB identified the unit in the Hebbal Industrial Area, Mysuru, Karnataka, and a search revealed a fully equipped clandestine lab with advanced tools for drug production. This facility, operated under the pretense of producing cleaning chemicals, was rented by a co-conspirator and relative of the mastermind, who has also been arrested, the statement confirmed.

All four suspects detained so far in this case hail from Jalore district, Rajasthan, according to the NCB.

Ongoing investigations aim to uncover additional members of the drug cartel and trace the supply chain of lab equipment and chemicals utilized in the operation.

Additionally, it has come to light that Mahindra Kumar Vishnoi is a repeat offender, with three cases filed against him in Rajasthan and one in Gujarat. Reports indicate that the clandestine lab was established in 2024, and the accused has since successfully produced and distributed several consignments.

Given the rising prevalence of Mephedrone in India, the NCB has distributed Red Flag Indicators (RFIs) concerning the existence of clandestine labs to various states to enhance the awareness of local field officers,” the statement elucidated.

The NCB has also pinpointed two essential chemicals, namely 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone and Mono Methylamine (MMA), crucial for Mephedrone production, urging chemical manufacturers and traders to authenticate the credentials of purchasers to prevent these chemicals from being misappropriated for illegal Mephedrone production.

The official statement further reiterated the NCB’s dedication to combating the trafficking of synthetic drugs and dismantling drug networks.