Breaking Bad in UP: Gujarat ATS bust mephedrone lab in UP, drugs worth ₹20 cr seized

In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has unearthed a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing unit in Uttar Pradesh’s Ambedkarnagar district, leading to the arrest of two accused and the seizure of a large quantity of drugs and precursor chemicals, with an estimated market value of ₹20 crore.

The investigation follows an earlier breakthrough on March 1, when the ATS arrested Shafat Ahmed Farooqui from the Gomtipur area of Ahmedabad and recovered 4.6 grams of mephedrone (MD) from his possession. Subsequent arrests of Sohail Mirza and Farhan Pathan helped investigators trace the supply chain.

During interrogation, the trio revealed that they had procured around 300 grams of mephedrone from two suppliers identified as Pankaj and Kapil. Acting on this lead, the ATS launched a detailed investigation using technical surveillance and human intelligence.

Officials found that the two suspects frequently travelled to Ambedkarnagar district in Uttar Pradesh and were operating from a farm in Ramnagar village. After nearly 10 to 12 days of surveillance, ATS teams identified suspicious activity at the site.

A joint raid conducted by Gujarat ATS, with assistance from the Uttar Pradesh Police, at a poultry farm uncovered a makeshift drug manufacturing facility concealed within three small sheds. According to officials, the accused had been producing mephedrone under the cover of poultry farming for the past three to four months.

The ATS arrested Kapil Sharma and Ramshankar alias Pankaj from the site. During the raid, officers seized approximately 6 kg of mephedrone, 59 kg of liquid mephedrone, 88 kg of controlled chemical substances, and around 200 kg of raw materials used in the manufacture of the drug.

Investigators said both accused, who are residents of Uttar Pradesh and knew each other previously, had basic knowledge of chemicals, having studied up to Classes 10 and 12. They allegedly used machinery to manufacture the drug and concealed the equipment after use to avoid detection.

A case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.