Rs 92 Cr Drug Factory Busted in Bhopal: DRI Arrests 7, Exposes International Mephedrone Syndicate
New Delhi: In a significant crackdown on India's escalating synthetic drug challenge, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested seven members of an interstate syndicate led by an international kingpin and shut down a clandestine mephedrone (MD) manufacturing facility in Bhopal.
This came as a result of DRI carrying out raids spanning multiple locations across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, and apprehending seven key operatives of the syndicate.
The operation, code-named “Operation Crystal Break,” exposed a highly organized drug syndicate that was pumping funds through hawala channels from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal to run the illicit business.
On 16.08.2025, a search of the illegal manufacturing facility at Gram-Jagdishpur (Islamnagar), Huzur-Tehsil, District-Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, led to the recovery and seizure of 61.20 kg of mephedrone (in liquid form) valued at Rs 92 crore in the illicit market.
In addition, 541.53 kg of raw materials, including methylene dichloride, Acetone, Monomethylamine (MMA), Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), and 2-bromo, along with a complete set of processing equipment, were seized.
The factory, located on secluded premises and deliberately covered from all sides to avoid detection, was tactfully raided by DRI officers. Two individuals, including the chemist responsible for manufacturing Mephedrone, were apprehended while they were engaged in the illegal production process.
In swift follow-up operations, a key member of the drug cartel was apprehended at Basti, Uttar Pradesh, who was entrusted with overseeing supply of raw materials from Bhiwandi (Mumbai) to Bhopal. Two suppliers, who have illegally provided the chemicals/raw materials, were also apprehended at Mumbai, along with the person responsible for the transportation of chemicals/raw materials from Mumbai to Bhopal.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that funds were being transferred from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal via hawala channels. One close associate of the cartel, responsible for fund transfer, was also apprehended in Surat.
All seven arrested persons have admitted to their respective roles in the clandestine manufacturing of mephedrone at the direction of an overseas operator and kingpin of the mephedrone network in India.
Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. It poses a grave menace to society, as it has psychoactive properties and is believed to bring about effects similar to the use of cocaine and amphetamine.
This is the sixth clandestine mephedrone factory dismantled by the DRI in the past year. The DRI remains steadfast in dismantling illicit factories that manufacture narcotic drugs and also pursues their masterminds and the international syndicates involved.
