The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a major clandestine synthetic drug manufacturing laboratory in a remote village in Jalaun district of Uttar Pradesh, seizing approximately 1,100 kg of drugs and precursor chemicals. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the operation.
According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the operation was conducted on October 29, 2026, based on specific intelligence. A team of DRI officers, with operational assistance from the Uttar Pradesh Anti Terrorism Squad (UP ATS), carried out coordinated searches at the suspected premises during the early hours.
During the operation, officials discovered a fully functional synthetic drug manufacturing laboratory. The search resulted in the seizure of approximately 184 kg of semi-prepared drugs, 582 kg of precursor chemicals and equipment used in the manufacturing process.
Additional Seizures During Follow-up Searches
- Further searches at the residential premises of the accused led to the recovery of approximately 15.4 kg of finished methaqualone, 153 kg of chemicals and a machine used in drug manufacturing.
- Another search at the premises of a second accused resulted in the seizure of approximately 168 kg of additional precursor chemicals.
- The two individuals associated with the clandestine manufacturing facility were arrested under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Major Blow to Illicit Drug Manufacturing Network
- According to the DRI, the recovery of finished drugs, semi-prepared substances, precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment indicates the presence of an organised illicit drug manufacturing operation.
- The agency stated that dismantling the facility would disrupt the illegal drug supply chain and prevent the production of further quantities of synthetic drugs.
- The DRI reiterated its commitment to identifying and dismantling clandestine drug manufacturing networks and combating the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances across the country.
