In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), in collaboration with the Rajasthan Police, has successfully dismantled an alleged illegal drug manufacturing facility in Rajasthan. The operation resulted in the seizure of approximately 22 kilograms of psychotropic substances and the arrest of three individuals, while one suspect remains at large.
Joint Operation Uncovers Narcotics Factory
The raid was conducted on Sunday following specific intelligence received by Police Inspector P B Desai of the Gujarat ATS. The tip-off indicated that three men were illegally manufacturing Alprazolam, a benzodiazepine-class sedative often abused as a narcotic, at the APL Pharma Company located in the RIICO Industrial Area of Bhiwadi city, Tapukara taluka, Rajasthan.
After verifying the information through technical surveillance and human intelligence, a team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Harsh Upadhyay, along with officers from the Jaipur unit of Rajasthan's Special Operations Group (SOG) and Bhiwadi district police, moved in on the factory.
Massive Haul of Potent Drugs Seized
During the raid, authorities discovered an active narcotics production unit. The seized contraband included about 5 kilograms of Alprazolam and approximately 17 kilograms of a mixture of two more potent sedatives, Prazepam and Temazepam. The total seizure weighed around 22 kg, marking a major bust of psychotropic substances.
The Gujarat ATS, in a statement issued on Monday, confirmed the details of the operation and the nature of the seized drugs.
Arrests and Alleged Network
The police have taken three suspects into custody. They have been identified as:
- Anshul Anilkumar Shastri (40) from Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
- Akhilesh Parasnath Maurya (41) from Tapukara, Rajasthan.
- Krishnakumar Shrei Yadav (33) from Tapukara, Rajasthan.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Shastri operated a firm named Ansh Trading, which he allegedly used along with his associate Akhilesh Maurya to procure and supply raw materials for the illegal manufacture of Alprazolam. They reportedly enlisted Krishnakumar Yadav, who possessed knowledge of the chemical manufacturing process.
The ATS further stated that the manufactured drugs were being sold to an individual named Sunny Yadav. A case has been registered against the accused at the Bhiwadi Phase-3 (UIT) Sector 3 police station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Ongoing Investigation and Previous Bust
Officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing to determine the duration of the illegal operation, map the entire supply network, trace the proceeds of the crime, and identify other individuals who may be involved.
This is not the first such cross-border operation. Earlier, on December 8, the Gujarat ATS had busted another alleged illegal factory manufacturing mephedrone in Rajasthan's Jodhpur district. That operation led to the seizure of 40 kg of liquid mephedrone and the arrest of six persons, highlighting a pattern of inter-state narcotics manufacturing rackets being targeted by the agencies.
The latest bust in Bhiwadi underscores the continued vigilance and coordinated efforts of state police forces in combating the menace of illegal drug manufacturing and trade in the region.
