DRI Busts Illegal Psychotropic Drug Lab in Jewar, Seizes Chemicals and Equipment

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a clandestine drug manufacturing facility operating from a residential premises in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, and arrested two people, including a foreign national and his Indian female associate.

During an intelligence-led operation conducted on August 9 and 10, DRI officials seized approximately 30 kg of amphetamine and intermediary substances, along with around 30 kg of precursor chemicals allegedly intended for manufacturing psychotropic drugs. Authorities also recovered a fully equipped manufacturing set-up used for illicit production.

A search of the premises led to the recovery of electrical furnaces, hose pipes, scientific and measuring equipment, reagents, tools and multiple containers holding chemicals and raw materials. White crystalline substances recovered from the site tested positive for amphetamine, a psychotropic substance regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

According to the preliminary investigation, the accused allegedly operated the facility in a highly concealed manner. They would bring equipment and raw materials to the premises during night hours, run the manufacturing operation for about a week and subsequently remove the equipment and clean the site. The activity was reportedly repeated after gaps of two to three months to avoid attracting attention from local residents.

The DRI said the recoveries indicate the premises were being used for the illegal manufacture of psychotropic substances, in violation of the NDPS Act. Both accused have been arrested under the law, while further investigation is underway.

The operation comes amid an intensified DRI crackdown on clandestine drug manufacturing networks. Over the past month, the agency has also dismantled illegal facilities linked to Mephedrone, Alprazolam, Diazepam and Tramadol, making multiple arrests and seizing drugs, precursor chemicals and manufacturing equipment.

The successive operations underline the agency’s focus on dismantling the wider ecosystem supporting illicit drug production, including procurement, manufacturing, financing, trafficking, storage and attempted international exports.