Ahmedabad / Ambedkar Nagar: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered an illegal methadrone (MD) factory operating in Ambedkar Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, disrupting a nationwide drug supply network. The operation resulted in the seizure of drugs and chemicals valued at approximately ₹20 crore. So far, five suspects have been arrested, including UP residents Pankaj (30) and Kapil (31), considered key operatives in the network.
The action began on March 1 after Ahmedabad ATS received intelligence that drugs were being supplied from Uttar Pradesh. Based on this, Shafat Ahmed Farooqi was apprehended from the Gomtipur area, and 4.6 grams of MD were recovered from his possession. Interrogation revealed the names of two other suppliers, expanding the scope of the investigation.
Following Shafat’s lead, Sohel Mirza and Farhan Pathan from Danilimda, Ahmedabad, were arrested. Authorities recovered 300 grams of MD from Sohel. Interrogation revealed that the drugs were supplied by Pankaj and Kapil from Uttar Pradesh, who produced the drugs and distributed them across different regions of the country.
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Factory Bust and Seizure
ATS, in coordination with local police, raided a farm in Rampur Karai, Ambedkar Nagar. A tin shed at the site, which appeared like a poultry farm from the outside, was being used as a clandestine methadrone manufacturing unit. During the operation, Pankaj and Kapil were arrested. The team recovered 6 kg methadrone, 50 kg liquid MD, 88 kg 2-Bromo-4-Methylpropiophenone, and 200 kg chemicals. The total market value of the seizure is estimated at approximately ₹20 crore. The 88 kg of chemicals could have produced an additional 25 kg of MD, highlighting the factory’s large-scale operations.
Kapil has completed 12th grade while Pankaj studied up to 10th grade. Both had been involved in this operation for the past four months. They were presented in an Ahmedabad court, which granted a 12-day remand. During this period, authorities are interrogating them to map the network, supply chain, and other associates.
Investigation Scope and Next Steps
All five suspects have been arrested so far. Their mobile data is being analyzed to trace the supply chain across India. The investigation is also focusing on the source of raw materials and production techniques used in the factory. ATS officials have stated that further arrests connected to this gang are imminent.
