Massive Synthetic Drug Factory Unearthed in UP’s Jalaun, Drugs Worth Over Rs 200 Crore Seized

JALAUN, October 30: A major illegal drug production operation has been uncovered in Uttar Pradesh’s Jalaun district, where central and state investigative agencies have seized more than 1.1 tonnes of narcotic substances and chemical materials estimated to be worth over Rs 200 crore in the international market.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), working alongside the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), conducted the operation on Thursday after receiving intelligence about a clandestine synthetic drug facility functioning in the Orai area.

Two men have been arrested in connection with the discovery. They have been identified as Hemendra Kushwah, 27, and Santosh, 37.

Investigators are questioning them to establish how the facility operated and identify others who may have been involved in the production and distribution of the banned substance.

Intelligence leads investigators to a secluded drug laboratory

The operation followed the development of specific intelligence regarding a suspected large-scale drug manufacturing facility in a village in the Orai region.

After conducting preliminary verification, the DRI approached the UP ATS for assistance in carrying out the search. The location posed operational challenges as the premises were situated in a remote yet densely inhabited area.

A joint team, supported by ATS commandos, moved in during the early hours of Thursday and searched the suspected facility. Investigators discovered that the premises housed an active laboratory equipped for manufacturing synthetic narcotics.

The scale of the operation became apparent from the quantity of substances and manufacturing material recovered during the search.

Multiple locations were searched; large quantities were recovered.

At the laboratory, investigators found approximately 184 kg of drugs in an intermediate stage of production. They also confiscated 582.2 kg, measured by gross weight, of precursor chemicals and equipment associated with the illicit operation.

The investigation subsequently extended to residential properties linked to the suspects.

A search of one accused person’s residence resulted in the recovery of 15.44 kg of finished mephedrone, along with 152.94 kg (gross weight) of chemicals and machinery connected with drug production.

Another search, conducted at premises associated with the second accused, yielded an additional 168.3 kg (gross weight) of precursor chemicals.

According to the DRI, the combined quantity of narcotic substances and precursor chemicals seized across the locations stood at 1,102.88 kg. The estimated international market value of the confiscated material exceeds Rs 200 crore.

Probe underway to identify wider trafficking network

The arrest of Kushwah and Santosh marks the initial breakthrough in an investigation that authorities believe could extend beyond the manufacturing premises.

The two men are being questioned to determine the source of the chemical materials, the duration of the illegal operation, and the possible involvement of other individuals in the supply chain.

Investigators are also expected to examine whether the manufactured mephedrone was intended for distribution within India or was part of a wider trafficking network.

The joint action by the DRI and UP ATS represents a significant seizure in the state’s fight against clandestine synthetic drug production.

Further investigation is underway to establish the full extent of the operation and trace those connected with the seized contraband.