Pune, 14th July 2026: A high-tech laboratory allegedly manufacturing mephedrone (MD) has been uncovered in Dighi-Bhosari area, exposing an interstate drug trafficking network operating across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) arrested two key accused during its nationwide Operation Vajra, officials said.
The operation was launched after the Preventive Branch of the CBN's Neemuch office in Madhya Pradesh received intelligence about the network. During the investigation, officials discovered that a sophisticated MD manufacturing facility was operating in Pune.
Based on the findings, simultaneous raids were carried out in Pune and Jodhpur on the night of July 9, leading to the arrest of another accused linked to the racket.
During the search, officials recovered advanced digital machinery, laboratory equipment, large quantities of glassware, chemicals used for manufacturing mephedrone and other materials required for drug production. All the seized items have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway to identify others involved in the network.
The investigation began in February 2026 after CBN officials seized 8 kg of mephedrone from a passenger travelling through Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh. Follow-up raids at an illegal laboratory near Thawalai in Mhow led to the seizure of 44 kg of mephedrone, chemicals and sophisticated manufacturing equipment.
Investigators found that the alleged mastermind frequently changed locations across different states using fake identity documents to evade authorities. He was arrested in Ujjain with the assistance of local police.
Information gathered during his interrogation led officials to the second illegal laboratory in Pune, while the accused from Jodhpur is believed to have provided financial and technical support for setting up the operation.
Officials said the Central Bureau of Narcotics has registered 142 cases and arrested 193 accused so far this year. The agency has also busted four illegal drug manufacturing laboratories as part of its intensified crackdown on organised narcotics trafficking under the Government of India's Nasha Mukt Bharat campaign. Investigations into the interstate network are continuing.
