Inside Alleged MD Drug Lab in Ahmedabad's Sarkhej: 130 Kg Chemicals, Drug Samples and Specialised Equipment Seized

Ahmedabad: A basement laboratory allegedly used for manufacturing mephedrone (MD), 130.613 kg of chemicals and specialised laboratory equipment were among the materials seized by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) during its raid at a residential premises in Ahmedabad's Sarkhej area.

According to the NCB, investigators recovered suspected MD in both liquid and powder forms, along with a range of chemicals believed to be associated with the manufacture of synthetic drugs.

The laboratory was discovered in the basement of a premises at Labbail Park, near Mohammadi Park, on the Sarkhej Road in Gyaspur. The premises belonged to Mudassar Ahmed Khan.

27.55 grams of suspected MD recovered

During the search, officials recovered suspected mephedrone from a drawer at the premises.

The seizure included:

• 26.85 grams of liquid MD, including the weight of the glass vial.
• 0.70 grams of powdered MD.

The total weight of the suspected drug recovered was 27.55 grams.

130.613 kg of chemicals seized

The NCB also seized 130.613 kg of chemicals and other materials suspected to be connected with the alleged manufacturing operation.

Industrial-grade methyl dichloride (MDC) accounted for the largest share, at 86.65 kg. Other significant recoveries included 12.92 kg of sulphur-free toluene and 9.115 kg of a mixture of propionyl chloride and methyl dichloride.

The seizure also included:

• 4.046 kg of glacial acetic acid
• 2.717 kg of toluene
• 2.258 kg of ethyl acetate
• 1.79 kg of isopropyl alcohol
• 1.629 kg of propionyl chloride
• 1.311 kg of sulphuric acid
• 1.032 kg of hydrobromic acid
• 0.810 kg of hydrochloric acid

Other chemicals recovered included sodium hydroxide, sodium bicarbonate, methylamine, hydrogen peroxide, bromine and anhydrous aluminium chloride.

What equipment was found inside the laboratory?

Apart from the chemicals, officials seized several pieces of laboratory equipment and apparatus from the basement.

These included heating mantles, digital magnetic stirrers, pipettes, round-bottom flasks, dropping funnels, separating funnels, beakers, stands, speed regulators and temperature-measuring instruments.

The combination of the suspected drug samples, chemicals and laboratory equipment is being investigated as part of the alleged illegal synthetic drug manufacturing operation.

NCB investigating the supply network

The NCB said further investigation is underway to establish the source of the seized chemicals, determine their intended use and identify other people who may have been involved.

Investigators are also examining possible interstate links connected with the alleged manufacturing and distribution network.

Search at cafe operated by accused

The investigation subsequently led the NCB team to Ratlam Cafe on Mumatpura Road, allegedly operated by Khan. The agency conducted a search at the establishment, where suspected MD was also prima facie found, Soni said.

According to police, Khan was previously a drug addict and allegedly turned to peddling before recently venturing into manufacturing.

DCP Zone 7 Shivam Verma said the accused had allegedly been involved in drug peddling before setting up the manufacturing facility. “The factory was busted before the first consignment could be delivered,” Verma said.

Madhya Pradesh links under scanner

Investigators suspect that the raw materials required for manufacturing MD were sourced from Madhya Pradesh, with preliminary links emerging to Mandsaur. The NCB is now examining the supply chain to establish the origin of the chemicals and identify those involved in procuring and transporting them.

A team from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar, is expected to examine the seized chemicals and laboratory equipment to assess the manufacturing capacity of the clandestine facility.

The NCB is also investigating the network’s forward and backward linkages, including the possible involvement of other individuals, sources of raw materials and interstate connections. Gujarat Police, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and other agencies are assisting in the investigation.

The agency has not yet disclosed the complete findings of its investigation into the operation.