Gujarat ATS Smashes Inter-State MD Drug Nexus in Rajasthan

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — In a major blow to the growing inter-state narcotics network, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), in a joint operation with the Rajasthan Police, has busted an illegal drug manufacturing factory in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur district, seizing a massive quantity of synthetic drugs and arresting seven accused. The operation underlines the alarming spread of MD (Mephedrone) production units beyond state borders and the increasing sophistication of drug syndicates targeting western India.

The drug factory was unearthed in Soindra village of Jodhpur, where officials seized 17 kilograms of MD drugs and nearly 40 litres of liquid mephedrone during a meticulously planned raid. According to investigators, the factory had been operational for barely a month, highlighting how quickly such illegal networks are being set up to evade law enforcement scrutiny.

Senior officials said the main accused, Govindsinh Chauhan, had set up the drug manufacturing unit on his own agricultural land, using secluded surroundings to avoid detection. Another key accused, Monu Ojha, a native of Gujarat, is alleged to have played a crucial role in the manufacturing and distribution process. Police revealed that Ojha has a serious criminal background and was already on the radar of multiple agencies.

“This was a well-coordinated inter-state operation. The seizure of such a large quantity of MD drugs shows how serious and organised the network was,” a Gujarat ATS officer said. “The fact that the factory was established just a month ago proves how rapidly drug operators are expanding and adapting.”

Officials confirmed that all seven arrested accused were actively involved in manufacturing, logistics, or supply of the banned substance. Preliminary interrogation suggests the MD was intended to be supplied to multiple states, including Gujarat, posing a major threat to public health, especially among the youth.

A Rajasthan Police official involved in the operation said the joint effort reflects improved coordination between states. “Drug traffickers do not respect state boundaries. Our response must be equally seamless,” he noted.

The Gujarat ATS has stated that further investigation is underway to trace forward and backward linkages, including suppliers of raw materials and financiers of the operation. More arrests are likely as investigators dig deeper into the inter-state drug racket.