In a major crackdown against an inter-state synthetic drug network, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) busted a clandestine mephedrone (MD) manufacturing laboratory in the Tajopur Industrial Area of Mau district, Uttar Pradesh. This action was taken under Operation Vajra 3.0.
Based on specific intelligence developed by the Madhya Pradesh unit of CBN, a joint team of the Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh units of CBN conducted a coordinated operation on 08.11.2026 and successfully identified and busted a clandestine laboratory active in the manufacture of synthetic drugs.
During the operation, 11.7 kg of mephedrone (MD) in various stages of processing was recovered. The team also seized 20.9 kg of 2-bromo-4-methylpropiophenone, a key precursor chemical used in the manufacture of mephedrone. In addition, 3.5 kg of acetic anhydride and approximately 119.9 kg/litre of various chemicals, solvents and processing reagents including dichloromethane, hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and organic amine were also seized.
Mefedrone seized at various stages of production
During the operation, the entire infrastructure of the clandestine laboratory, including industrial grinders and mixers, steel tanks and vessels, heating equipment, glass reaction and distillation apparatus, temperature measuring devices, voltage balancers and other equipment used in the illicit manufacture of synthetic drugs, was seized and destroyed. In addition, personal protective equipment (PPE) was also seized.
Demolition of the secret drug manufacturing laboratory
Two persons involved in the illicit manufacturing network were arrested during the operation under the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation is underway to unearth the wider inter-state network, source of precursor chemicals, financial trails and potential channels of drug distribution.
The seizure and subsequent legal actions were carried out in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and prescribed legal procedures.
The demolition of this clandestine laboratory has helped prevent the further manufacturing and distribution of a large quantity of illicit mephedrone. At the same time, it has dealt a major blow to the inter-state synthetic drug network.
During the year 2026 so far, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has busted six clandestine laboratories. In these operations, 130.2 kg of mephedrone (MD) and 1,465.4 kg/litre of precursor chemicals have been seized. 20 suspects have been arrested in connection with these cases.
This action reflects the continuous vigilance, dedication and commitment of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) against the illicit trafficking of drugs and clandestine manufacture of psychotropic substances.
CBN is committed to its efforts to dismantle secret drug manufacturing networks, prevent the illegal use and supply of precursor chemicals, identify inter-state trafficking rings and curb their activities, enforce the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985 and contribute to the national mission of a drug-free India, Viksit Bharat.