DRI busts illegal mephedrone lab in Gujarat's Ankleshwar; 3 held

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing facility operating from a residential premises in Ankleshwar, Gujarat, and arrested three persons allegedly involved in an illicit drug manufacturing and trafficking network, according to agency reports.The operation, carried out on the basis of specific intelligence inputs, led to the discovery of a fully functional illegal laboratory equipped with sophisticated manufacturing apparatus, including an industrial oven dryer, hot plate heaters, a condenser assembly, an electric stirrer and other laboratory equipment used for the clandestine production of the synthetic drug.

#WATCH | Gujarat: DRI Delhi and Surat raided Bhavna Farm Society in Ankleshwar city and busted a drug racket. MD Drugs and raw material for manufacture of drugs found in a large quantity. (21.07.2026) pic.twitter.com/OjQkU1euaz

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2026

According to the Ministry of Finance, the search operation resulted in the seizure of more than one kilogram of mephedrone in solid form, over six kilograms of 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone, a controlled precursor chemical, along with other chemicals used in the manufacture of the narcotic substance.Simultaneous searches at the residences of the accused also led to the recovery of Rs 21 lakh in cash, which investigators believe to be proceeds from illicit drug trafficking.

???? DRI busts clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing facility in Ankleshwar, Gujarat and seizes Rs. 21 lakh; Three arrested

Read more ➡️ https://t.co/wcSRSWUMoy#DRIAtWork pic.twitter.com/cn638mi9Dl

— Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) July 22, 2026

The seized drugs, precursor chemicals, laboratory equipment and cash have been taken into custody, while further investigations are underway to trace the wider network involved in the manufacture and distribution of the contraband.Mephedrone, commonly known by street names such as "Meow Meow," "MD," "M-Cat," or "Drone," is a highly addictive synthetic psychotropic substance and has emerged as one of the most widely abused stimulant drugs in India.According to officials, the operation is part of the DRI's ongoing efforts to crack down on organised drug syndicates and dismantle illegal manufacturing units involved in the production and trafficking of synthetic narcotics.

(State Correspondent)