**Summary:**
On August 16, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), with support from Surat and Mumbai police, successfully dismantled a clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, as part of "Operation Crystal Break." The operation resulted in the seizure of 61.2 kg of Mephedrone in liquid form, valued at ₹92 crore in the illicit market, along with 541.53 kg of raw materials, including Methylene Dichloride, Acetone, Monomethylamine (MMA), Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), and 2-Bromo, and processing equipment. Raids were conducted across multiple locations in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh, leading to the apprehension of seven key operatives of the drug syndicate. Those arrested include the chemist responsible for manufacturing the Mephedrone, suppliers of raw materials from Mumbai, the transporter of chemicals, and an individual responsible for fund transfers via hawala channels from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal. Preliminary investigations indicate that the operatives were acting on the directions of an overseas operator and kingpin of the Mephedrone network in India. Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. This is the sixth clandestine Mephedrone factory dismantled by the DRI in the past year. The investigation is ongoing.
Key Entities Referenced
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence: The agency (DRI) that busted the Mephedrone manufacturing facility.
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh: Location of the illicit drug manufacturing factory.
Mephedrone: The illicit drug being manufactured in the factory.
Surat, Gujarat: City from where funds were being transferred to Bhopal via hawala channels.
Mumbai, Maharashtra: City involved in supplying raw materials to Bhopal and funds transfer.
Uttar Pradesh: State where a key member of the drug cartel was apprehended.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: The law under which Mephedrone is listed as a psychotropic substance.
Operation Crystal Break: The codename of the DRI operation to bust the Mephedrone manufacturing facility.
Ministry of Finance
DRI busts illicit drug manufacturing factory in Bhopal;
seizes 61.2 kg Mephedrone worth 92 crore; seven
held
Posted On: 18 AUG 2025 5:31PM by PIB Delhi
Acting on a specific intelligence, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully busted a
clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility in Bhopal, in a meticulously coordinated Op, code-named
“Operation Crystal Break”. The Surat and Mumbai police also supported DRI during this operation.
DRI carried out raids spanning multiple locations across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar
Pradesh, and apprehended seven key operatives of the syndicate.
On 16.08.2025, a search of the illegal manufacturing facility at Gram-Jagdishpur (Islamnagar), Huzur-Tehsil,
District-Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, led to the recovery and seizure of 61.20 kg of Mephedrone (in liquid
form) valued at ₹92 crore in the illicit market. In addition, 541.53 kg of raw materials, including Methylene
Dichloride, Acetone, Monomethylamine (MMA), Hydrochloric Acid (HCL), and 2-Bromo, along with a
complete set of processing equipment, were seized.
The factory, located in a secluded premises, deliberately covered from all sides to avoid detection, was
tactfully raided by DRI officers. Two individuals, including the chemist responsible for manufacturing
Mephedrone, were apprehended while they were engaged in the illegal production process.
In swift follow-up operations, a key member of the drug cartel was apprehended at Basti, Uttar Pradesh, who
was entrusted with overseeing supply of raw materials from Bhiwandi (Mumbai) to Bhopal. Two suppliers,
who have illegally provided the chemicals/raw materials were also apprehended at Mumbai, along with the
person responsible for the transportation of chemicals/raw materials from Mumbai to Bhopal.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that funds were being transferred from Surat and Mumbai to Bhopal
via hawala channels. One close associate of the cartel, responsible for funds transfer, was also apprehended in
Surat.
All seven arrested persons have admitted to their respective roles in the clandestine manufacturing of
Mephedrone on the directions of an overseas operator and kingpin of Mephedrone network in India.Mephedrone, a psychotropic substance listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS)
Act, 1985. It poses a grave menace to society as it has psychoactive properties and is believed to bring about
effects similar to the use of cocaine and amphetamine.
This is the sixth clandestine Mephedrone factory dismantled by the DRI in the past one year. The DRI
remains steadfast in dismantling illicit factories which manufacture narcotic drugs and also pursue their
masterminds and the international syndicates involved.
****
NB/KMN
(Release ID: 2157559)