Ahmedabad / Jaipur / Bhiwadi | December 29, 2025: In a major offensive against organised narcotics production, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in coordination with the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and local police, busted an illegal drug manufacturing unit operating in Bhiwadi, Rajasthan, and arrested three key accused, officials said on Monday. The joint operation led to the seizure of around 22 kilograms of psychotropic substances, highlighting the scale of an interstate drug network operating under the guise of a pharmaceutical unit.
According to an official ATS statement, the raid was conducted at premises operating as APL Pharma in the RIICO Industrial Area, Bhiwadi, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Bhiwadi Phase-3 (UIT) Sector-3 police station. Investigators found that the unit was manufacturing Alprazolam and other banned psychotropic drugs without any valid licence or statutory authorisation.
Intelligence-led coordinated action
ATS officials said the operation was launched after the squad received credible intelligence inputs about illicit drug production at the facility. The information was corroborated through technical surveillance and human intelligence, following which teams from the Gujarat ATS, Rajasthan SOG and Bhiwadi district police carried out a targeted raid on December 28, 2025.
While the premises outwardly resembled a legitimate pharmaceutical manufacturing unit, a detailed search revealed a fully operational illegal psychotropic drug production line. The seizure included 5 kg of Alprazolam—a tightly regulated benzodiazepine—and 17 kg of semi-processed psychotropic substances, indicating sustained and large-scale illegal production.
Accused Identified
The three men arrested during the raid were identified as:
- Anshul Anilkumar Shastri (40) — resident of Agra, Uttar Pradesh
- Akhilesh Kumar Parasnath Maurya (41) — resident of Tapukara, Rajasthan
- Krishna Kumar Shrei Yadav (33) — resident of Tapukara, Rajasthan
In addition, three labourers found at the site were detained for questioning to ascertain their roles and whether they were knowingly involved in the illegal manufacturing or distribution process.
Scale and method of production
Preliminary investigation suggests the unit was engaged in systematic and continuous drug manufacture, rather than sporadic activity. Officials recovered raw materials, precursor chemicals and intermediate products, pointing to a multi-stage production process capable of sustained output over an extended period.
Alprazolam, commonly prescribed for anxiety and panic disorders, is classified as a controlled psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act due to its high abuse potential. Illegal manufacture, storage and distribution of such drugs attract stringent penalties under Indian law.
Legal action and FIR
Following the raid, a case was registered at the Bhiwadi Phase-3 (UIT) Sector-3 police station under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. The accused face charges related to illegal manufacture and possession of psychotropic substances, offences that carry severe punishment.
Investigators are also examining whether the manufactured drugs were intended for distribution within Rajasthan, neighbouring states, or wider national black markets. “Such organised factories are not minor crimes; they pose a serious threat to public health and safety,” a senior ATS official said.
Supply chain under scanner
The Gujarat ATS and Rajasthan Police are now probing the wider network, focusing on:
- Sources of raw materials and chemicals
- Interstate distribution channels
- Possible links to organised crime syndicates
- Financial transactions and communication records
Officials said the seizure of 22 kg of contraband suggests the operation may have been active for several months, and further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.
Broader crackdown and inter-state cooperation
This action is part of a broader push by the Gujarat ATS against organised crime and illegal drug manufacturing, in addition to its counter-terrorism mandate. Earlier this month, the ATS had also busted another illegal drug unit in Jodhpur district, seizing around 40 kg of liquid mephedrone.
Law enforcement officials emphasised that the operation underscores effective inter-state cooperation between Gujarat and Rajasthan. “Criminal networks do not respect state borders; coordinated policing is essential,” an ATS spokesperson said.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged the public to share any information related to suspicious chemical procurement or drug distribution activities. Further updates on arrests, court proceedings and additional seizures will be released as the probe advances.
