The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), in collaboration with other forces, has seized drugs worth ₹300 crore. The operation targeted a comprehensive network of clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing labs in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Deputy Director General (OEC) Gyaneshwar Singh announced in a press release on Saturday that a joint team of the NCB and Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) conducted raids at three suspected locations. These included Bhinmal in Jalore district of Rajasthan, Osian in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and Gandhinagar in Gujarat.
The agencies recovered 149 kg of Mephedrone in both powder and liquid form, 50 kg of Ephedrine and 200 litres of Acetone. Seven individuals have been apprehended in connection with the operation.
Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC and 4-methylephedrone, is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes. It is colloquially known by various names, including drone, M-CAT, White Magic, “meow meow” and bubble.
“Based on the interrogation of the apprehended individuals in Gandhinagar, another site has been identified in Amreli, Gujarat, where raids are currently in progress. We expect further recoveries,” Singh stated.
The kingpin of this network has been identified and is expected to be arrested soon. Efforts are underway to track and identify the source of precursor chemicals as well as the distribution network, both nationally and internationally.
The raids were initiated after the ATS Gujarat Police received information about clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing labs operating from Gujarat and Rajasthan. A joint team of ATS Gujarat police and NCB Headquarters Operations unit was formed to bust these labs. The operation, named “Operation Prayogshala-1”, involved over three months of intensive technical and ground surveillance to identify the individuals involved in this network and the locations of the clandestine labs.
The operation is still ongoing and further updates will follow.
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