Executive Summary
On July 22, 2026, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled an illegal Mephedrone manufacturing facility operating from a residential premises in Ankleshwar, Gujarat. The operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of narcotics, precursor chemicals, and Rs. 21 lakh in cash. This timely intervention successfully disrupted plans for the large-scale production of synthetic psychotropic substances.
Key Points / Main Content
Enforcement Action
The DRI conducted an intelligence-led operation to dismantle a clandestine laboratory in a residential area.
Three individuals involved in the drug manufacturing and trafficking network were apprehended.
A follow-up operation led to the arrest of an intended receiver who had brought a token payment for a delivery.
Seizures and Equipment
Narcotics: 1.349 kg of Mephedrone in solid form was recovered.
Chemicals: Authorities seized 6.825 kg of 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone (a controlled precursor), 120 litres of Monomethylamine (MMA), 60 kg of Hydrobromic Acid (HBr), 40 litres of Toluene, and containers of mixed acids.
Laboratory Apparatus: The facility was equipped with sophisticated tools, including an industrial oven dryer, hot plate heaters, condenser assembly, and an electric stirrer.
Currency: A total of Rs. 21 lakh was seized, comprising Rs. 20 lakh in suspected trafficking proceeds and Rs. 1 lakh intended as a token payment.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
All seizures were conducted under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
Mephedrone is a notified psychotropic substance; its unauthorized manufacture, possession, sale, transport, and trafficking are illegal.
The presence of substantial chemical quantities indicated intent to significantly expand manufacturing capacity.
Impact Analysis
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)Impact
The agency successfully neutralized a functional illicit laboratory and prevented the expansion of synthetic drug production in the region.
Action Required
The DRI must proceed with the legal prosecution of the three arrested individuals under the NDPS Act and continue monitoring for related trafficking activities.
Accused Individuals and Trafficking NetworkImpact
Three members of the network are in custody, and their manufacturing infrastructure, chemical supplies, and financial assets (Rs. 21 lakh) have been confiscated.
Action Required
The arrested parties are subject to legal proceedings and penalties as defined by the NDPS Act, 1985.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI): The primary intelligence and enforcement agency that conducted the operation to dismantle the clandestine drug manufacturing facility.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: The legal framework under which Mephedrone is classified as a psychotropic substance and the authority for the seizure and arrests.
Ankleshwar, Gujarat: The central location of the illicit laboratory and the focus of the enforcement operation.
Ministry of Finance: The oversight ministry for the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and the issuer of the press release regarding the enforcement action.
Ministry of Finance
DRI busts clandestine Mephedrone
manufacturing facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat and
seizes Rs. 21 lakh; Three arrested
प्रव तथ: 22 JUL 2026 3:43PM by PIB Delhi
In a major operation, the officers of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully dismantled
a clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility operating from a residential premises in Ankleshwar,
Gujarat, and arrested three persons involved in the illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking network.
In an intelligence led operation, officers of DRI unearthed a fully functional illicit laboratory equipped
with sophisticated manufacturing apparatus, including an industrial oven dryer, hot plate heaters,
condenser assembly, electric stirrer, and other laboratory equipment used for the clandestine manufacture
of Mephedrone.The search resulted in the recovery of 1.349 kg Mephedrone in solid form, 6.825 kg 2-Bromo-4-
Methylpropiophenone, a controlled precursor chemical, and 120 litres of Monomethylamine (MMA),
another essential chemical used in the manufacture of Mephedrone along with 60 kg Hydrobromic Acid
(HBr), 40 litres Toluene, and two containers containing mixed acids (HBr and HCl), all of which were
seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985.
Mephedrone, commonly known on the streets as "Meow Meow", "MD", "M-Cat" or "Drone", is a highly
addictive synthetic psychotropic substance that has emerged as one of the most abused stimulant drugs in
India. It is notified as a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985, making its manufacture,
possession, sale, transport and trafficking illegal except for authorised scientific or medical purposes.
Simultaneous searches conducted at the residential premises of the accused led to the recovery of Rs. 20
lakh, believed to be proceeds of illicit drug trafficking. In a swift follow-up operation, DRI officers
apprehended the intended receiver of the manufactured contraband and recovered a further Rs.1 lakh,
which had been brought as token payment for taking delivery of Mephedrone. In total, three persons have
been arrested in connection with the case.
The laboratory setup and procurement of substantial quantities of essential chemicals indicate preparations
for significantly expanding the manufacturing capacity. The timely intervention by DRI officers
successfully disrupted the plans for any large-scale production.
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SR/KMN
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