Factory Near Bhopal Raided, Drugs Valued at Over ₹1,800 Crore Seized; Two Arrested

In one of the largest drug busts in recent times, a joint operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Delhi, has led to the seizure of drugs worth over ₹1,800 crore. The raid, which uncovered a large-scale drug manufacturing racket, took place at a factory in the Bagroda Industrial Area near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

During the raid, authorities confiscated 907 kg of mephedrone (MD), a banned synthetic drug, along with 5,000 kg of raw material and equipment used for the production of the drug. Officials revealed that the illegal factory was producing 25 kg of MD daily, making it a significant hub for drug manufacturing and distribution. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of approximately ₹1,800 crore.

The operation, which is still ongoing, was carried out inside a shed spanning around 2,500 square yards. Gujarat ATS officials, arriving in vehicles without number plates, worked in collaboration with the NCB to conduct the raid. Two individuals have been arrested in connection with the case, identified as Sanyal Prakash Bane and Amit Chaturvedi.

Preliminary investigations have revealed that Bane had a history of drug-related offenses. He was previously arrested in 2017 by Mumbai police in Amboli for a similar MD drug case and had served five years in prison. After his release, Bane teamed up with Chaturvedi to set up the illegal drug manufacturing operation. The duo rented the shed in Bagroda Industrial Area six to seven months ago, where they procured raw materials and equipment for drug production.

The factory was equipped with grinders, motors, glass flasks, heaters, and other apparatus necessary for the chemical processing of drugs. Officials believe the drugs produced at the factory were distributed across various regions of the country. The Gujarat ATS has described the seizure as the largest illegal drug manufacturing unit they have uncovered to date.

The investigation is now focused on determining the full extent of the operation, including how long the accused had been running the factory, the financial transactions involved, and where the drugs were being sold. Authorities are also working to identify other individuals who may have been involved in the drug ring, either by facilitating the manufacturing or participating in the distribution network.

As the probe continues, officials expect more details to emerge about the network behind this extensive drug operation, which could have far-reaching consequences across the country. Further arrests and seizures are likely as authorities aim to dismantle the entire operation.

Sources By Agencies