The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Sunday busted an alleged mephedrone (MD) manufacturing unit operating from the basement of a residential house in Ahmedabad’s Sarkhej area. The property owner has been detained for questioning.
The raid was conducted early on November 15 at Labbaik Park, near Mohammadi Park, following specific intelligence inputs. Officials seized chemicals, raw materials and equipment suspected to have been used in manufacturing synthetic drugs. The seized material is estimated to be worth crores of rupees.
Drug Manufacturing Set-up Found in Basement
During the raid, NCB officials discovered an alleged drug manufacturing facility in the basement of the residential property.
Investigators are probing how long the unit had been operational, the source of the chemicals and raw materials, and where the finished drugs were being supplied. They are also examining whether the premises were used exclusively for manufacturing or for storing and distributing drugs as well.
NCB Also Raids Coffee Shop in Bopal
The investigation also led the NCB team to a coffee shop in Bopal, reportedly operated by the detained property owner. Officials conducted a separate operation at the establishment to investigate its possible links with the suspected drug network.
The agency is examining the alleged supply chain, including the possible involvement of drug peddlers and links to other cities.
First Major Crackdown Under New Gujarat Zonal Director
The operation is the first major anti-narcotics crackdown in Ahmedabad since Ghanshyam Soni took charge as the NCB’s Zonal Director for Gujarat.
The agency is expected to question the detained property owner further and analyse the seized material to establish the scale of the alleged operation.
The exact quantity and value of the seized chemicals, the identities of other suspects and the suspected distribution network are yet to be determined.