Rose Water Front: DRI and UP ATS Bust ₹300 Crore Drug Factory
A clandestine synthetic drug factory disguised as rose water production was busted in Jalaun, seizing drugs worth up to 300 crore rupees.
In a massive blow to the narcotics trade, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad (UP ATS) have dismantled a sophisticated illegal synthetic drug factory operating in the heart of Jalaun. The operation, executed on the morning of October 29, 2026, revealed a sinister operation hiding behind the innocent facade of a rose water production unit.
A Deceptive Front in Airi Rampura
The clandestine facility was located in Airi Rampura village, falling under the jurisdiction of the Dakore Kotwali area. To avoid suspicion from locals and law enforcement, the operators masqueraded their business as a rose water manufacturing plant. However, the authorities were not fooled. After maintaining strict surveillance on the premises for three days, the joint team moved in to shut down the operation.
Massive Seizures and Staggering Value
The scale of the raid is highlighted by the sheer volume of illicit materials recovered from the site. Officials reported a total seizure of 1,102.88 kilograms of substances and chemical precursors. The breakdown of the haul includes:
- Finished Mephedrone (MD drug): 15.44 kilograms.
- Semi-finished narcotics: Approximately 184 kilograms.
- Precursor chemicals: Over 582.2 kilograms.
According to officials, the estimated market value of the seized narcotics and chemicals is staggering, ranging between 200 crore and 300 crore rupees. Along with the drugs, law enforcement recovered specialized machinery and equipment used to synthesize the narcotics.
The 'Jail Connection': Masterminds Arrested
The raid led to the apprehension of two key suspects, revealing a surprising connection between them. The arrested individuals are:
- Santosh Kumar (37): A resident of Sangli, Maharashtra. Kumar is described as the mastermind behind the facility and reportedly has a prior criminal record under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
- Hemendra Kushwaha (27): A resident of Orai, Jalaun.
Investigators discovered that the duo did not meet by chance; they had previously crossed paths and formed their alliance while serving time at Mumbai's notorious Arthur Road Jail.
Ongoing Investigation and National Mission
Additional Police Superintendent Dr. Ishan Soni confirmed the recovery of the MD drugs during the joint operation. The investigation is now shifting toward the larger network. Agencies are working to uncover:
- The logistics of the supply chain used to bring in precursors.
- The distribution network used to sell the finished mephedrone.
- Exactly how long the factory had been operational in Jalaun.
All recovered materials are being transported to Lucknow for further forensic processing. This successful operation is part of the broader 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan', a national initiative aimed at eradicating illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking across India.