• CBN busts a clandestine mephedrone laboratory in Mau, Uttar Pradesh.
• 11.7 kg of mephedrone seized along with precursor chemicals and equipment.
• Two suspects arrested under the NDPS Act, 1985.
• CBN reports six laboratory busts and 20 arrests during 2026 so far.

GG News Bureau
Mau, 12th Nov: The Central Bureau of Narcotics (CBN) has busted a clandestine laboratory manufacturing mephedrone (MD) in the Tajopur Industrial Area of Mau, Uttar Pradesh, and seized 11.7 kg of the synthetic drug along with precursor chemicals and laboratory equipment. Two suspects have been arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

The operation was conducted on November 8 under Operation Vajra 3.0, following specific intelligence developed by the CBN Madhya Pradesh Unit. A joint team from the CBN MP Unit and CBN Uttar Pradesh Unit identified and dismantled the active manufacturing facility.

According to the CBN, the seized mephedrone was recovered at different stages of processing. The team also confiscated 20.9 kg of 2-bromo-4-methylpropiophenone, a key precursor used in mephedrone production, and 3.5 kg of acetic anhydride.

Around 119.9 kg/litres of other chemicals, solvents and processing reagents were also seized. These included dichloromethane, hydrochloric acid, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride and organic amines.

The agency further dismantled the laboratory infrastructure, recovering industrial grinders and mixers, steel tanks, heating equipment, glass reaction and distillation apparatus, temperature-measuring devices, voltage balancers and protective equipment.

The two arrested individuals were allegedly involved in the illicit manufacturing network. Further investigation is underway to establish the wider interstate connections, identify the sources of precursor chemicals, trace financial links and determine intended distribution channels.

The CBN said the seizure and subsequent proceedings were conducted in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Six Laboratories Busted in 2026
The agency reported that it has busted six clandestine laboratories during 2026 so far, resulting in the seizure of 130.2 kg of mephedrone and 1,465.4 kg/litres of precursor chemicals. A total of 20 suspects have been arrested in connection with these cases.

The CBN said the latest operation forms part of its continuing efforts to disrupt illicit synthetic drug manufacturing, prevent diversion of precursor chemicals and dismantle interstate trafficking networks.