Despite ‘drug-free Surat’ claims, MD drug manufacturing unit busted in city

Even as claims of a “drug-free Surat city” continue to be made, the Surat City Special Operations Group (SOG) has uncovered a laboratory allegedly manufacturing MD drugs within the city limits. In a late-night raid, police arrested a senior chemist employed with a chemical company for allegedly producing MD drugs under the guise of research work.

Police said the operation exposed a full-fledged drug manufacturing setup functioning out of a commercial complex, with investigators also naming a London-based individual as the alleged mastermind and financier.

Late-night raid at commercial laboratory

The raid was conducted at Deekriya Food and Pharma Analytical Laboratory, located in Polaris Shopping Centre on the Parvat Patiya–Vesu Canal Road. From the premises, police seized 16.950 grams of crystal blue MD drugs, along with raw materials and equipment allegedly used in the manufacturing process.

According to the SOG, the laboratory space had been rented under the pretext of research activity. Police said the alleged manufacturing had been ongoing for the past two months.

Chemist arrested, London-based accused declared wanted

Police arrested Brijesh Vrajlal Bhalodiya (28), a resident of Kamrej in Surat, originally from Indra village in Manavadar taluka of Junagadh district. During interrogation, investigators found that Bhalodiya has been working as a senior chemist at a chemical company in Sachin for the past five years.

Police said Bhalodiya allegedly began manufacturing MD drugs at the behest of his college friend Janak Jagani, who is believed to have financed the operation. Jagani has been residing in London for the past year and has been declared wanted in the case.

The laboratory reportedly belonged to Isha Anghan, a friend of the accused, who had rented out a portion of the premises for what was projected as research work.

Case traced back to earlier Amroli drug arrest

The investigation gained momentum following the arrest of a civil engineer in Amroli around a week ago. On December 31, the Surat SOG arrested Jil Bhupatbhai Thummar, a native of Junagadh and a resident of Amroli, who was allegedly caught while arriving to deliver 237 grams of high-quality crystal drugs reportedly sold through social media platforms.

Based on Thummar’s interrogation, police subsequently arrested two of his associates living in Vesu:

Khushal Vallabhbhai Ranpariya (27), an electrical engineer originally from Nana Amreli village in Padadhari taluka of Rajkot district.

Bharat alias Bhano Damjibhai Lathiya (32), who works in embroidery, originally from Nonghanvadar village in Palitana taluka of Bhavnagar district.

Further questioning of the accused led police to the laboratory at Polaris Shopping Centre, culminating in the late-night raid and the arrest of the chemist.

Drugs allegedly meant for Goa, Mumbai rave parties

Police said the crystal blue MD drugs allegedly manufactured at the Surat laboratory were intended to be introduced as a new drug at rave parties in Goa and Mumbai. Investigators claimed the accused was capable of producing different variants of MD drugs.

According to police, samples of the blue crystal MD drug were to be sent to Goa and Mumbai to secure orders. Once confirmed, larger quantities would allegedly be manufactured. The group is reported to have accepted orders only for a minimum quantity of 100 grams.

Police said further investigation is under way to trace supply chains, financial transactions and the role of other individuals linked to the operation.