Drug Lab Hidden In A Buffalo Barn: Rajasthan, Maharashtra Police Bust Inter-State Syndicate
In a major crackdown on synthetic drug manufacturing, police teams from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) joined forces to bust an inter-state drug syndicate operating clandestine labs. The operation began on July 22, 2025, when Barmer district police detected a hidden lab inside a buffalo barn in Village Dholakia. The facility contained large amounts of precursor chemicals like Chloroform, Ammonium Chloride, and Toluene — typically used in the manufacture of Mephedrone. Lab equipment was also seized from the remote location, and two individuals were detained at the site. The NCB's Jodhpur unit soon joined the investigation, helping identify links to Maharashtra.
During interrogation, one of the arrested men revealed that a key member of the syndicate hailed from Raigad district in Maharashtra and had transported chemicals and equipment to set up the Barmer lab. This tip-off led Raigad police and NCB Mumbai to swiftly act and detain the suspect. Investigations pointed to a shut factory — M/s Rohan Chemicals in Mahad — that was secretly being used to manufacture synthetic drugs. A raid at the premises resulted in the recovery of 34 kg of powdered Ketamine, 12 litres in liquid form, and a cache of precursor chemicals. Authorities also discovered that the main mastermind was a repeat offender, already under the radar for earlier drug cases handled by the DRI and NCB.
The back-to-back raids and coordinated intelligence sharing between police units in Barmer, Raigad, and NCB zones in Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai led to the quick dismantling of the drug network. Investigations are still ongoing, with both Barmer and Raigad police pursuing various leads. This bust comes close on the heels of another similar operation in Sri Ganganagar, where 5 kg of Mephedrone was seized and even science teachers were found involved. To help identify such secret drug-making hubs, NCB has circulated 'red flag indicators" to all state police departments and urges citizens to share drug-related information via the toll-free helpline 1933. Identities of callers will be kept confidential.
view comments
First Published:
July 28, 2025, 10:19 IST
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
34 minutes ago
- News18
Nancy Mace Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Bid In South Carolina With Bold Agenda
The 2026 Republican primary for governor is shaping up to be highly competitive. Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace officially announced her candidacy for governor of South Carolina on Monday, entering the 2026 race with a fiery speech and an ambitious 10-point agenda. Speaking before a crowd of supporters, Mace declared that her campaign would offer a 'roadmap to rebuild South Carolina from the ground up," vowing to bring bold leadership and reform to the Palmetto State. 'South Carolina is tired of politicians who smile for the cameras, lie to your face, and then vanish when it's time to lead," Mace said during her campaign launch, as reported by CNN, adding, 'I'm running for governor because South Carolina doesn't need another empty suit." Mace, currently serving her third term in the US House of Representatives, laid out a wide-ranging agenda in an interview with the Associated Press. Her priorities include overhauling the criminal justice system, eliminating the state's income tax, and expanding protections for women and children. Education reform also features prominently, with Mace pushing for greater school choice and an expansion of vocational training options. A notable element of her campaign announcement video included footage of President Donald Trump praising her as a 'fighter," a nod to their evolving political relationship. Once a vocal critic of Trump, particularly in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, Mace has since become one of his allies, endorsing him during the 2024 GOP primaries. Mace has also positioned herself as a staunch advocate for women's rights. In a May congressional hearing on non-consensual recordings, she revealed a naked silhouette image allegedly taken without her consent by her ex-fiancé. Simultaneously, she has taken conservative stances on other gender-related policies, including support for banning transgender women from using women's restrooms at the Capitol. The 2026 Republican primary for governor is shaping up to be highly competitive. Mace will face several prominent GOP figures, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, state Senator Josh Kimbrell, and US Rep. Ralph Norman. Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, is term-limited and will not seek reelection. Mace has already taken aim at Wilson, accusing him of neglecting his duty to protect women and children. In February, she publicly claimed that Wilson ignored evidence of sexual misconduct involving her ex-fiancé and other men, alleging a broader failure of accountability. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: News world Nancy Mace Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Bid In South Carolina With Bold Agenda Latest News Nancy Mace Launches 2026 Gubernatorial Bid In South Carolina With Bold Agenda World news "Basic Decency" Hochul Blasts Ted Cruz For Questioning Her Wearing A Headscarf At Cop's Funeral | 4K Videos Trump Envoy To Visit Moscow Before Deadline For Ending Ukraine War | Putin | Ukraine War | N18G Tamil Cinema Rajinikanth's Coolie A Sci-Fi Time Travel Film? Lokesh Kanagaraj Breaks Silence Videos Donald Trump's Firing Of Labor Statistics Chief 'Undermines Credibility', Ex-Leaders Say | N18G latest news
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Texas Governor Threatens Democrats Who Left State To Prevent Congressional Map Vote
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) is threatening to try to remove Democratic lawmakers from office for fleeing the state and claiming they could be charged with crimes, escalating tensions overnight in a showdown over redrawing congressional lines ahead of the midterm elections. News18 Mobile App -
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Hanumangarh cops nab smuggler with MD worth 1.5 crore
1 2 Jaipur: Hanumangarh police Monday arrested an alleged smuggler who was carrying Mephedrone (MD) drugs worth approximately Rs 1.5 crore. Hanumangarh SP Hari Shankar said the operation was conducted following actionable intelligence, with the Sangaria police station team playing a crucial role. "A special campaign is being conducted to curb drug trafficking in the district. As part of this, Sangaria team was patrolling when they received information about a suspicious person near Ratanpura on the Bharatmala road," said Shankar. He added that upon searching the person, they found 307.6 grams of MD drugs in his possession. The arrested man has been identified as Samundra Singh (24), a resident of Tumdia village in Chittorgarh district. Police said several cases under NDPS Act were previously registered against him. In July 2025, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raided a clandestine laboratory in Sriganganagar, arresting two persons for manufacturing MD worth Rs 15 crore. A police official said, "We have been coordinating with central agencies and our counterparts in neighbouring cities about drug peddlers, and real-time information is shared almost on a daily basis". The official added that Singh's arrest was crucial for two reasons—firstly, he was peddling a big amount and was making trips to different cities; and secondly, he was suspected to be connected with other drug syndicates. Interrogation is underway to find out the MD's suppliers and the accused will be produced before court for police remand, said an official.
