Rajasthan Police Uncovers MD Drug Lab Behind Grocery Front

A bust in Rajasthan revealed an illegal MD drug lab disguised as a grocery store and grain warehouse. The police seized drugs and chemicals worth Rs 5 crore. Accused individuals, using the store as a front, fled before the raid. Investigations under the NDPS Act continue.

The Rajasthan Police have dismantled an illicit MD drug manufacturing unit operating covertly behind the facade of a grocery shop and grain warehouse in Pratapgarh district, officials revealed on Monday. The bust resulted in the confiscation of narcotics and precursor chemicals valued at approximately Rs 5 crore, according to authorities.

Pratapgarh SP B Aditya stated that the police conducted a raid on the premises after receiving a tip-off. Upon entering, officers experienced severe eye irritation and detected a strong chemical odour. A detailed search uncovered a substantial amount of narcotics and apparatus used for MD production.

The haul included 106 grams of pure MD and 114.750 kilograms of liquid chemicals crucial for its synthesis. Initial inquiries identified the suspects as Dharmchand Mogra Jain and Rohit Mogra Jain, who allegedly used the grocery operation as a cover for the illegal lab. The suspects managed to escape before the raid, prompting police to assemble multiple teams dedicated to their capture. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and investigations are ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)