New Delhi, Delhi, 13th of July, 2026 : In a major breakthrough against interstate synthetic drug trafficking syndicate, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), Madhya Pradesh Unit has dismantled a sophisticated Mephedrone (MD) manufacturing laboratory in Pune, Maharashtra, and arrested the two chief conspirators of the syndicate from Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan) under Operation Vajra.
The operation was carried out by the Preventive Branch, Office of the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner, CBN, Neemuch, on the basis of specific intelligence. The investigation and coordinated operations were conducted between 1st-10th July 2026.
During the operation, officers of CBN seized a high-tech illicit MD manufacturing laboratory in Pune along with sophisticated machinery, laboratory equipment, precursor chemicals and safety gear used for manufacturing synthetic drugs. Two accused, including the chief conspirators, were arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The operation is a continuation of the investigation initiated in February 2026, when CBN Neemuch intercepted a passenger bus at Mandsaur and seized 8.17 kg Mephedrone. Subsequent searches led to the detection of an illicit laboratory at Thavlay, Mhow, resulting in the seizure of 43.82 kg Mephedrone, 261.32 kg precursor chemicals, and advanced manufacturing equipments.
Based on sustained intelligence and extensive interstate investigation, the Preventive Team tracked the absconding mastermind, who had been continuously changing locations across several states using forged identity documents. After an intensive undercover operation, the accused was successfully arrested from Ujjain during the late-night hours of 3rd July 2026 with valuable assistance from the Ujjain (M.P.) Police.
During the extensive investigation it was revealed that the syndicate had established another sophisticated MD manufacturing facility in Diggi, Bhosri, Pune, financed and coordinated by a co-conspirator based in Jodhpur. Acting swiftly, CBN teams carried out synchronised searches on the late night of 9th July 2026 in Pune and Jodhpur simultaneously, arresting the second conspirator and dismantling the clandestine laboratory. Sophisticated digital machinery, laboratory equipment, heavy glassware, precursor chemicals and safety gear were seized during the operation. All seized machinery, equipment and chemicals have been taken into possession under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation is in progress.
The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) is a regulatory and law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Finance that supervises the legal cultivation of opium poppy, procures the harvest from licensed farmers, and regulates the international trade of psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals. Headquartered in Gwalior, the CBN balances this strict regulatory oversight with active drug enforcement, investigating narcotics offenses and seizing illicit drugs and assets under the NDPS Act to prevent trafficking and substance abuse.
During the current calendar year, the CBN, has registered 142 cases and effected 193 arrests including busting of four clandestine labs. Through such sustained enforcement actions, CBN continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment towards dismantling organised drug trafficking networks and achieving the national vision of a Drug-Free India (Nasha Mukt Bharat).
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