Narcotics Bureau busts high-tech MD drug lab in Pune, arrests masterminds in multi-state operation ‘Vajra’
The operation, led by the CBN's Madhya Pradesh Unit, was conducted between July 1 and July 10, 2026, following actionable intelligence gathered by the Preventive Branch of the Office of
During simultaneous operations in Pune (Maharashtra) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan), CBN officers uncovered a fully equipped clandestine laboratory used for manufacturing Mephedrone (commonly known as MD), a synthetic narcotic drug.
New Delhi: In a major crackdown on interstate synthetic drug trafficking, the Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has dismantled a sophisticated Mephedrone (MD) manufacturing laboratory in Pune, Maharashtra, and arrested two alleged masterminds of the drug syndicate during a coordinated multi-city operation codenamed ‘Operation Vajra’.
The operation, led by the CBN’s Madhya Pradesh Unit, was conducted between July 1 and July 10, 2026, following actionable intelligence gathered by the Preventive Branch of the Office of the Deputy Narcotics Commissioner, CBN, Neemuch.
Sophisticated Drug Manufacturing Unit Unearthed
During simultaneous operations in Pune (Maharashtra) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan), CBN officers uncovered a fully equipped clandestine laboratory used for manufacturing Mephedrone (commonly known as MD), a synthetic narcotic drug.
Officials seized:
- Sophisticated drug manufacturing machinery
- Advanced laboratory equipment
- Heavy laboratory glassware
- Large quantities of precursor chemicals
- Safety gear used in synthetic drug production
The entire facility has been seized under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and further investigations are underway.
Months-Long Investigation Leads to Breakthrough
The latest action is the culmination of an investigation that began in February 2026, when CBN officers intercepted a passenger bus in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, recovering 8.17 kilograms of Mephedrone.
Subsequent searches led investigators to an illegal manufacturing unit at Thavlay near Mhow, where authorities seized:
- 43.82 kg of Mephedrone
- 261.32 kg of precursor chemicals
- Advanced manufacturing equipment
The investigation gradually exposed a wider interstate network involved in the production and distribution of synthetic narcotics.
Mastermind Tracked Across Multiple States
According to CBN, the principal accused had remained on the run for months, frequently changing locations across different states and allegedly using forged identity documents to evade law enforcement.
Following sustained surveillance and undercover operations, officers arrested the accused from Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, during a late-night operation on July 3, with assistance from the Madhya Pradesh Police.
Further interrogation revealed the existence of another sophisticated manufacturing laboratory operating from Diggi, Bhosri, Pune, allegedly financed and coordinated by another key conspirator based in Jodhpur.
Acting swiftly, CBN teams carried out coordinated late-night raids on July 9, leading to the arrest of the second accused and dismantling of the Pune laboratory.
CBN Intensifies Crackdown on Synthetic Drugs
The Central Bureau of Narcotics, functioning under the Ministry of Finance, plays a dual role of regulating India’s legal opium cultivation and combating illegal narcotics trafficking.
Headquartered in Gwalior, the agency supervises the cultivation of opium poppy by licensed farmers while also investigating offences under the NDPS Act relating to narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals.
According to official data, during the current calendar year, CBN has:
- Registered 142 narcotics cases
- Arrested 193 accused persons
- Busted four clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories
The agency said sustained enforcement actions are aimed at dismantling organised drug trafficking syndicates and supporting the Government of India’s vision of a “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India).
