Bhopal, February 19: The Central Narcotics Bureau (CBN) has conducted its largest operation against drugs in Madhya Pradesh. Over three days, a secret factory was uncovered in Thavalai village, located in the Mahu tehsil of Indore district, where synthetic drug methamphetamine (MD) was being produced.
The operation began on the night of February 13. The CBN’s Neemuch branch received a tip-off that a large quantity of MD was being transported on a bus from Mandsaur. A team was quickly formed, and the Mandsaur police were alerted. They intercepted the bus, and upon the team’s arrival, a search was conducted under the NDPS Act.
A passenger was found with a suspicious box, which he admitted contained MD. During questioning, another accomplice was identified, and a second box was recovered from beneath his seat. In total, 8.172 kilograms of high-quality crystal MD was discovered, packed in five polyethylene bags. Both suspects confessed to possessing the drugs, revealing that they were sourced from a secret factory.
Following this revelation, the CBN formed a joint team from its Neemuch, Mandsaur, Jawra, and Ujjain branches. A search operation commenced at midnight. By the morning of February 14, a house in Thavalai village was identified, featuring an iron gate and two palm trees. Due to the strong chemical odor and smoke inside, entry was initially restricted for health safety. A special team equipped with personal protective equipment (PPE) was summoned from Neemuch.
The factory was equipped with modern machinery and plants. Technical experts were required to dismantle the setup, prompting assistance from the Government Opium and Alkaloid Works (GOAW) in Neemuch. A four-member team of engineers and chemists arrived at midnight on February 15. The machinery and plant were seized, and the operation was completed by the morning of February 15.
From the factory, authorities seized 43.820 kilograms of high-quality MD, over 260 kilograms of precursor chemicals, and advanced equipment. All materials were confiscated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985.
The two suspects apprehended at the BPL intersection in Mandsaur have been charged under the NDPS Act. The owner of the factory has also been taken into custody.
The CBN stated that this is the largest bust of a synthetic drug lab in the state to date. Despite limited time and clues, the success was attributed to the coordination, dedication of the teams, and technical support from GOAW. Investigations into the larger network are ongoing.
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