Major Drug Bust in Mysuru: NCB Claims Rs 10 Crore Seizure in Interstate Syndicate Crackdown
In a significant development, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has announced the busting of an interstate drug trafficking syndicate and a clandestine drug manufacturing unit in Mysuru, Karnataka. This operation comes just two days after NCB officers conducted a raid on a chemical manufacturing unit in north Mysuru, leading to substantial seizures and arrests.
Details of the Seizure and Raid
The NCB has valued the seized drugs at an estimated Rs 10 crore, marking a major blow to illegal narcotics operations in the region. During the raid, authorities confiscated not only the contraband substances but also Rs 25.6 lakh in cash, a Toyota Fortuner vehicle, and various other chemicals weighing more than 500 kg. The premises, identified as a lab in the Hebbal Industrial Area, were immediately sealed for a thorough examination by the forensics team to gather further evidence.
According to NCB officials, the illegal unit was established in Mysuru in 2024, and since then, the accused had been manufacturing and distributing multiple consignments from this location. This revelation points to a well-organized operation that had been functioning under the radar for some time.
Contradictions and Denials from Local Authorities
Surprisingly, the Mysuru police have denied the existence of any illegal drug manufacturing unit in the city. Adding to the confusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, who was in Mysuru on Friday, told reporters that the NCB investigation was merely a follow-up action and that no contraband was found during their checks. This statement starkly contrasts with the NCB's claims, creating a puzzling scenario for the public and authorities alike.
Background of the Investigation and Arrests
A release from the NCB provides a detailed account of the events leading up to the bust. On January 28, NCB officers intercepted a vehicle with a Karnataka registration number in Suraj, Gujarat, and recovered 35 kg of mephedrone (MD), a banned substance. This interception led to a search at the house of Mahindra Kumar Vishnoi, the alleged mastermind of the drug trafficking ring, located at Dastan Residency, Palsana. From this location, authorities recovered 1.8 kg of opium, valued at Rs 25.6 lakh, along with various other chemicals.
Three individuals, including Vishnoi, were arrested for their involvement in transporting drugs intended for distribution in Rajasthan. All the arrested accused are reported to be from Jalore, Rajasthan, highlighting the interstate nature of this syndicate.
Origins of the Drug Manufacturing Plan
Investigation into the case revealed that Vishnoi, who had a prior history of peddling opium, devised the plan to manufacture synthetic drugs after conversations with some inmates while he was lodged in jail on a narcotics case. Once released on bail, Vishnoi proceeded to set up the clandestine drug manufacturing unit in Mysuru. The premises were taken on rent by one of the co-accused, who is also a relative of Vishnoi, and this individual was subsequently arrested as part of the operation.
NCB's Call to Action for the Public
In light of this bust, the NCB has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any incidents of drug peddling or manufacturing. They have provided the toll-free National Narcotics Helpline No. 1933 for citizens to use in reporting such activities, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in combating drug-related crimes.
This case underscores the ongoing challenges in drug enforcement and the need for coordinated efforts between state and central agencies to effectively tackle such syndicates.
