Drug Lab Hidden In A Buffalo Barn: Rajasthan, Maharashtra Police Bust Inter-State Syndicate

Last Updated:July 28, 2025, 10:19 IST

The facility contained large amounts of precursor chemicals like Chloroform, Ammonium Chloride, and Toluene — typically used in the manufacture of Mephedrone.

Lab equipment was also seized from the remote location, and two individuals were detained at the site. (Image: NCB Maharashtra Unit)

In a major crackdown on synthetic drug manufacturing, police teams from Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) joined forces to bust an inter-state drug syndicate operating clandestine labs. The operation began on July 22, 2025, when Barmer district police detected a hidden lab inside a buffalo barn in Village Dholakia. The facility contained large amounts of precursor chemicals like Chloroform, Ammonium Chloride, and Toluene — typically used in the manufacture of Mephedrone. Lab equipment was also seized from the remote location, and two individuals were detained at the site. The NCB’s Jodhpur unit soon joined the investigation, helping identify links to Maharashtra.

During interrogation, one of the arrested men revealed that a key member of the syndicate hailed from Raigad district in Maharashtra and had transported chemicals and equipment to set up the Barmer lab. This tip-off led Raigad police and NCB Mumbai to swiftly act and detain the suspect. Investigations pointed to a shut factory — M/s Rohan Chemicals in Mahad — that was secretly being used to manufacture synthetic drugs. A raid at the premises resulted in the recovery of 34 kg of powdered Ketamine, 12 litres in liquid form, and a cache of precursor chemicals. Authorities also discovered that the main mastermind was a repeat offender, already under the radar for earlier drug cases handled by the DRI and NCB.

The back-to-back raids and coordinated intelligence sharing between police units in Barmer, Raigad, and NCB zones in Jodhpur, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai led to the quick dismantling of the drug network. Investigations are still ongoing, with both Barmer and Raigad police pursuing various leads. This bust comes close on the heels of another similar operation in Sri Ganganagar, where 5 kg of Mephedrone was seized and even science teachers were found involved. To help identify such secret drug-making hubs, NCB has circulated “red flag indicators" to all state police departments and urges citizens to share drug-related information via the toll-free helpline 1933. Identities of callers will be kept confidential.

Mayuresh Ganapatye

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...Read More

Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @mayuganapa...

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