MP Central Narcotics Bureau busts mephedrone lab in Pune, two held from different states

Indore, Jul 13 (PTI) The Madhya Pradesh Central Narcotics Bureau (CBN) has busted a sophisticated laboratory illegally manufacturing the mephedrone (MD) drug in Pune and arrested two key members of the syndicate from different states, according to a release issued on Monday. The action, 'Operation Vajra', was carried out on specific intelligence. One of the accused was apprehended in Ujjain, and the other in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The CBN said that sophisticated digital machinery, laboratory equipment, chemicals used as raw materials, glassware, and other items were seized from the laboratory operating in the Bhosari area of Pune. According to the release, this action is a continuation of the investigation initiated after 8.17 kg of mephedrone was recovered from a passenger bus in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, in February. The release stated that as part of the investigation, an illegal laboratory was also busted in the Mhow area of the state, and 43.82 kg of mephedrone, 261.32 kg of chemicals, and manufacturing equipment were seized. The CBN added that a key conspirator was changing locations in various states using fake identities. However, through covert surveillance and the cooperation of local police, he was arrested in Ujjain on July 3. Further investigation found that the gang had set up a new, state-of-the-art laboratory for manufacturing mephedrone in the Bhosari area, which was operated by a co-conspirator based in Jodhpur, the release stated. The CBN stated that the laboratory was busted and the second accused was arrested in a coordinated operation conducted in Pune and Jodhpur late on the night of July 9. The CBI said that material from the illegal mephedrone-making laboratory has been seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and a detailed investigation is underway. PTI HWP MAS NSK