Total seizure of MD in the entire operation amounts to nearly 52 kg; three arrested

In an operation that spanned three days during largest operation of its kind carried out by any agency in Madhya Pradesh to date, the officers of the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) unearthed the factory located in Village Thavalay, under Mhow Tehsil, Indore district. The CBN seized 43.820 kg high-quality MD/Methamphetamine, more than 260 kg chemicals, and sophisticated modern equipment. The total seizure of MD in the entire operation amounts to 51.992 kg. All recovered contraband and chemicals were seized under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Acting on a specific intelligence received by the Neemuch branch, Madhya Pradesh, of Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN), on the night of 13.02.2026, the CBN recovered 8.172 kg of high-quality crystal MD/Methamphetamine from two passengers travelling in a bus at Mandsaur.

Acting swiftly on the input, a team from CBN Neemuch was constituted and dispatched to Mandsaur. Given the limited time, officers at Mandsaur were alerted telephonically and promptly intercepted the suspect bus. After the arrival of the Neemuch, search proceedings were initiated in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

During the search, a passenger was found carrying a suspicious box and admitted it contained MD. On further inquiry, an accomplice seated separately was identified, and another suspected box was recovered from beneath his seat. Examination of the boxes led to the recovery of 8.172 kg of high-purity Methamphetamine (MD) in crystal form, packed in five polythene packets across two boxes. Both accused admitted possession of the seized contraband. Further interrogation revealed that the accused were transporting the MD directly from a clandestine manufacturing laboratory.

In view of the revelation, CBN immediately formed a special separate team consisting of officers from Ujjain, Jaora, Mandsaur, and Neemuch branches to coordinated searches and precisely locate the suspected laboratory. Further probe helped to locate the laboratory near Mhow.

As a follow-up to this seizure, joint teams of CBN Madhya Pradesh from Neemuch, Mandsaur, Jaora, and Ujjain launched a search operation from midnight onwards to trace the manufacturing facility. The teams achieved success the next morning.

In the early morning of 14^th February 2026, officers identified the suspected premises matching the given description, including an iron gate and two palm trees at the entrance. However, strong chemical fumes and an unbearable odour forced them to hold entry due to health risks. A specialised team with proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was immediately mobilised from Neemuch to conduct the search proceedings.

The laboratory was found to be equipped with modern machinery and plant installations. As the dismantling of the sophisticated equipment required technical expertise, assistance was sought from the Government Opium and Alkaloid Works (GOAW), Neemuch. A four-member team comprising engineers and chemists from GOAW Neemuch arrived at the site on the midnight of 15.02.2026. The plant and machinery were dismantled and seized by CBN. The entire proceedings were concluded early morning of 15^th February 2026.

The two persons intercepted at BPL Chauraha, Mandsaur have been formally charged under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The owner of the house where the clandestine laboratory was operating has also been detained during the proceedings.

Further investigation is underway to identify and dismantle the wider network involved in manufacturing and distribution of synthetic drugs.

This operation highlights the commitment, coordination, and dedication of CBN officers, who, despite limited leads and significant time constraints, successfully carried out one of the largest synthetic drug laboratory busts in the State. The swift intelligence-based action, inter-district coordination, and technical support from GOAW Neemuch led to the dismantling of a major illegal drug manufacturing facility.

The CBN reiterates its firm resolve to curb the menace of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and make India drug free.