In a significant crackdown on narcotics production, law enforcement agencies have dismantled a major drug manufacturing network operating in Bengaluru. The coordinated raids resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of chemicals and finished narcotics, dealing a heavy blow to the illicit trade.
Major Haul from Coordinated Raids
The operation, which unfolded recently, targeted three separate locations in the city. According to officials from the Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF), who were involved in the operation, the raids led to the discovery of two active drug manufacturing units and one storage facility. The most striking find was the confiscation of 17 litres of various precursor chemicals used in the synthesis of illegal substances.
Beyond the chemicals, the authorities recovered a substantial cache of the synthetic drug mephedrone. The street value of the seized mephedrone is estimated at a staggering Rs 55.88 crore. This indicates the scale of the operation that was being run from these Bengaluru units. Additionally, machinery and equipment specifically used for drug production were also taken into custody, preventing the facilities from resuming operations.
Details of the Operation and Seizure
The raids were conducted based on specific intelligence inputs about the manufacturing and storage of narcotics in the Karnataka capital. The involvement of the Maharashtra ANTF suggests a cross-state dimension to the investigation, possibly linked to supply chains extending beyond Bengaluru. The precise locations of the raided units within the city have not been fully disclosed to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
The seizure list from the December raids is comprehensive:
- 17 litres of precursor and reaction chemicals.
- Mephedrone (also known as MD or Meow Meow) with an estimated value of Rs 55.88 crore.
- Industrial-scale machinery for mixing, heating, and processing drugs.
- Packaging materials from the storage facility.
This haul underscores the industrial nature of the illegal setup, which was capable of producing large quantities of drugs for distribution.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The bust of these three units represents a major success for the anti-narcotics agencies. By intercepting the chemicals and machinery, police have not only seized existing stock but also crippled the production capacity of this network. Mephedrone is a potent psychoactive substance, and its manufacture and sale contribute significantly to the drug abuse problem in the region.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation is still active. Efforts are now focused on tracing the supply chain of the raw materials, identifying the financiers behind the operations, and apprehending all individuals involved in the racket. The Maharashtra ANTF has confirmed its continued collaboration with local Bengaluru police to unravel the full extent of the network. This operation, dated 28 December 2025, sends a strong message about the intensified crackdown on organized drug syndicates in the country.
