NEW DELHI: In a major inter-state crackdown, Rajasthan and Maharashtra police, along with the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), dismantled a synthetic drug manufacturing operation concealed inside a buffalo barn in Barmer district, Rajasthan. The joint operation led to the seizure of drugs and lab equipment valued at over ₹50 crore from Barmer and Raigad in Maharashtra.
The cartel was found to be producing synthetic drugs such as Mephedrone and Ketamine at hidden facilities in remote areas. Authorities confiscated 34 kg of Ketamine in powder form and 12 litres of liquid drugs during the operation, officials confirmed.
The investigation began with the discovery of a clandestine drug lab in the village of Dholakia, Barmer, where precursor chemicals and laboratory apparatus used for Mephedrone production were uncovered.
“The lab was cleverly hidden inside a buffalo barn in an isolated part of the village,” a senior official said. Two suspects were detained at the site.
Interrogation of the suspects led investigators to Raigad, Maharashtra, where another key member of the syndicate was arrested. He reportedly supplied chemicals and equipment for the Barmer lab and was a former employee of M/s Rohan Chemicals in Mahad, Raigad—a now-defunct factory.
Acting on his disclosure, NCB Mumbai and Raigad police raided the premises in Mahad, recovering approximately 34 kg of Ketamine powder, 12 litres of liquid Ketamine, and additional precursor chemicals and equipment.
Officials also identified a suspected mastermind with a history of involvement in drug trafficking cases. Authorities said the operation was successful due to real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated action between Barmer police, Raigad police, and NCB teams from Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai.
The NCB has intensified its crackdown on the production of synthetic drugs. In a recent operation in Sri Ganganagar, the agency uncovered another secret lab producing Mephedrone and arrested multiple individuals, including former physics and chemistry teachers.
Investigations in the Barmer-Raigad case are ongoing, and further arrests are likely.
