NEW DELHI: In a major crackdown on the illicit narcotics trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau has busted two clandestine manufacturing laboratories in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, arresting two key accused. Operating under a special initiative codenamed Operation Crystal Hunt, agency officials conducted simultaneous raids on October 16, intercepting substantial quantities of suspected chemical narcotics alongside specialized machinery. The total consignment of seized contraband and processing material carries an estimated valuation of approximately ₹45 crore in the international illicit market.
Large Consignment of Amphetamine Material Recovered
Search operations across the two Greater Noida premises yielded 379.740 kilograms of an amphetamine-containing substance, along with 10 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, a controlled precursor utilized in pharmaceutical formulations and chemical synthesis. Agency officials stated that the seized raw and semi-processed material held the potential to yield approximately 56 kilograms of finished crystalline amphetamine. Amphetamine remains a potent synthetic stimulant whose unauthorized manufacture and circulation present severe public health hazards and heightened challenges for law enforcement agencies across illicit distribution corridors.
In addition to the chemical narcotics, investigators impounded modern laboratory equipment and specialized apparatus allegedly deployed in the synthesis process. Forensic and technical examination of the seized machinery is underway to assess the overall production capacity of the facilities and determine how the illicit units were assembled. The accurate chemical profile and exact purity levels of the recovered substances remain subject to ongoing forensic testing.
Interrogation Underway to Trace Raw Material Procurement
The arrest of the two key operatives marks a critical turning point in the probe. Investigators have begun interrogating the suspects to identify the broader network backing the two clandestine laboratories. A central focus of the investigation involves determining whether precursor chemicals and manufacturing apparatus were procured through legitimate industrial channels before being diverted into illegal channels.
Investigators are also examining the financial transactions and logistics routes linked to the units to establish whether the facilities functioned as localized units or formed part of a wider syndicate operating across the National Capital Region. The roles of additional handlers, chemical suppliers, and financial conduits are being tracked through ongoing forensic and digital assessments.
Enforcement Aligned with Vision Document Target
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described the dismantling of the clandestine facilities as a major achievement, highlighting the seizure of synthetic stimulants, chemicals, and processing machinery. He linked the operation to the government commitment to completely dismantle illegal drug cartel networks by December 2029 under the Narcotics Control Vision Document 2026–2029, framed within the Drug-Free India Mission.
The investigation remains in progress as the Narcotics Control Bureau works to map the intended distribution network, locate potential buyers, and trace every stage of the illicit supply chain connected to the recovered contraband.
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