In a major crackdown on illicit synthetic drug manufacturing in the country, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) busted a big clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory operating in a remote village in Jalaun district, Uttar Pradesh. The operation led to the massive seizure of approximately 1,100 kg drugs and precursor chemicals, along with manufacturing equipment. Two persons have been arrested in connection with the case.
Acting on specific intelligence, a large team of DRI officers, with operational assistance from UP ATS, launched a coordinated operation at the suspected premises in the early hours of 29th October 2026. The search of the premises revealed a well-established and functional laboratory for the manufacture of synthetic drugs, resulting into huge seizure of approximately 184 kg semi-prepared drugs, along with around 582 kg precursor chemicals and associated equipment used in the manufacturing process.
In swift follow-up action, searches at the residential premises of the accused led to the recovery of around 15.4 kg finished methaqualone, along with around 153 kg chemicals and a machine used in the manufacturing process. A further search at the premises of another accused resulted in another huge seizure of around 168 kg precursor chemicals. Two persons associated with the clandestine manufacturing facility were arrested under the provisions of NDPS Act,1985.
The recovery of huge quantities of finished drugs, semi-prepared material, precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment indicates the existence of an organised illicit drug manufacturing operation. The operation has dealt a significant blow to the illicit drug manufacturing ecosystem by dismantling a large clandestine production facility, removing substantial quantities of drugs and precursor chemicals from the illicit supply chain, and preventing the manufacture of further quantities of synthetic drugs.
DRI remains committed to dismantling clandestine drug manufacturing networks, disrupting the supply chains that sustain illicit drug production, to combat the trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.