Mysuru Drug Manufacturing Probe Intensifies After Police Seizure
In a significant development following the Narcotics Control Bureau's (NCB) revelation about a clandestine drug manufacturing unit in Mysuru, district police have conducted a raid and seized suspected raw materials meant for producing synthetic drugs. The operation took place at a rented house located in Yandahalli village, within the limits of the Mysuru South police station.
Forensic Analysis Awaited to Confirm Nature of Seized Items
According to police officials, the exact nature and intended use of the recovered materials remain unconfirmed. Mallikarjun Baladandi, the Superintendent of Police for Mysuru district, informed that the raid was executed based on specific intelligence from informants. A few materials were confiscated during the operation, which are believed to be potentially diverted for illicit drug manufacture.
Assistance from Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) experts has been sought to verify whether these seized items were indeed raw materials for banned synthetic drugs. The police are awaiting the forensic reports before proceeding with further legal actions. No arrests have been made yet, as the house was found unoccupied during the search.
Case Registered and Investigation Details
A formal case has been registered under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act against three individuals: Ganapat Lal and two others, including a woman. The house owner is reported to be the son of a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), and the property had been rented out approximately one year ago.
This seizure follows the NCB's earlier claim of a secret drug lab in Mysuru, prompting a coordinated scrutiny of potential supply chains and storage points for chemical inputs. Investigators are currently examining:
- Procurement records related to the suspected materials
- Business operations of the individuals involved
- Any potential links between the suspected clandestine lab and the seized items
Officials have not disclosed the exact quantity of materials recovered. Further investigative steps will depend on the forensic report and the outcomes of ongoing inquiries into the suspected drug manufacturing network.
Political Criticism and Calls for Action
The case has sparked political controversy, with Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar criticizing the Karnataka police for what he described as repeated failures in addressing drug-related issues. He referenced a previous NCB raid in Hebbal where drugs worth approximately Rs 10 crore were discovered, despite initial denials from local authorities.
"We are grateful to NCB," Wadiyar stated, "Otherwise, we wouldn't have known about the drug racket in Mysuru." He expressed concern that Mysuru's name repeatedly surfaces in drug cases, calling it "truly condemnable" and indicative of deteriorating law and order in Karnataka.
The BJP MP highlighted that police from Delhi and Maharashtra have been coming to Mysuru to investigate drug cases, suggesting inadequate local enforcement. He urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to treat this as a challenge and form a special team to make Karnataka drug-free.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Steps
NCB officers are expected to visit Mysuru again for further investigation as the probe continues. The case underscores the ongoing challenges in combating synthetic drug manufacturing networks and the importance of inter-agency coordination in such operations.
The developments highlight the need for:
- Enhanced surveillance of chemical supply chains
- Strengthened forensic capabilities for rapid analysis
- Improved coordination between central and state agencies
- Political will to address drug manufacturing networks comprehensively
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the suspected drug manufacturing operations in the region.
