Bengaluru 'Breaking Bad': Engineer's Drug Empire Busted by CCB
Engineer turned drug maker busted in Bengaluru

In a shocking case reminiscent of the popular TV series 'Breaking Bad', the Central Crime Branch (CCB) in Bengaluru has uncovered a sophisticated drug manufacturing operation allegedly masterminded by an engineer. The individual, a native of Belagavi, is accused of setting up drug-processing units within the city with financial backing from businessmen based in Rajasthan.

From Engineering to Drug Manufacturing

The accused, identified as Patil, presented what a senior CCB officer described as a compelling 'business model' to his financiers. He reportedly pitched the illegal venture as a straightforward path to making easy money. This proposal convinced two businessmen from Rajasthan, who then allegedly provided the capital required to establish the clandestine labs in Bengaluru.

The arrest and investigation unfolded in the final days of December 2025. The CCB's operation, which led to the bust, was officially detailed on 29 December 2025. The news was widely reported by the following day, 30 December 2025.

The Financiers and the Operation

According to police sources, the nexus between the technical expertise of the engineer and the financial muscle of the out-of-state businessmen was central to the scheme. Patil, leveraging his technical knowledge, managed the on-ground production, while the Rajasthan-based partners funded the setup of the drug-processing units. This partnership allowed the network to establish a firm foothold in the illicit drug trade within India's tech capital.

The CCB has not yet disclosed the specific type of narcotics being manufactured in these units, but the operation highlights a dangerous trend of educated individuals turning to high-stakes crime. The case underscores how technical skills can be dangerously diverted towards illegal enterprises.

Implications and Ongoing Investigation

This bust has sent ripples through the law enforcement community, pointing to more organized and technically adept drug manufacturing rings operating in major Indian cities. The Bengaluru police, through the CCB, are now delving deeper into the network to trace the supply chain and identify other potential associates.

The primary challenge for authorities is to dismantle the entire network, not just the production units. This includes pursuing the financial trail and apprehending all individuals involved in funding and distributing the contraband. The case serves as a stern warning that the police are intensifying their crackdown on such sophisticated drug operations that threaten public safety.