Police Uncover High-Tech Drug Manufacturing Unit in Rajasthan
Police in Rajasthan made a significant breakthrough on Friday. They uncovered a tech-savvy narcotics operation in Chittorgarh district. The raid led to the seizure of a drone, cash, vehicles, and sophisticated equipment from a drug manufacturing unit.
Drone Used to Track Police Movements
Chittorgarh Superintendent of Police Manish Tripathi provided details about the operation. He stated the drone was allegedly used by the suspects to track police movement. The device also helped map escape routes during potential raids. This use of technology marks a concerning trend in illegal activities.
The action followed the arrest of two individuals on Thursday night. Police identified them as Sattu Mali and Jeevan Vaishnav. Small quantities of mephedrone, commonly known as MD, were recovered from them. Technical analysis and interrogation of these accused led investigators to Jeeva Nayakon Ka Kheda village. The illegal drug factory was operating from this location.
Major Seizures During Dawn Raid
According to the preliminary probe, the suspects deployed the drone in isolated terrain. Its purpose was surveillance and assessing access and exit routes. During the raid, police made several important seizures.
Officers confiscated Rs 14 lakh in cash. They also found a currency counting machine. Investigators recovered an expensive punching machine. This equipment was allegedly used to erase and restamp vehicle chassis numbers. Police seized three vehicles as well.
Four laptops were also taken into custody. Authorities believe these were used for accounting and keeping records of the illegal operation.
Operation Conducted with Precision
The village had previously been flagged as a sensitive area. Police had encountered resistance there before, including incidents of stone-pelting. To avoid confrontation, a team of around 100 personnel carried out the operation. Deputy superintendents of police led the team. They executed the raid at dawn for maximum effect.
The raided premises have been identified as belonging to Jagdish Banjara and his sons, Ashok and Rahul. All three individuals allegedly fled to the surrounding hills during the raid. They remain absconding, according to officers.
Drug Manufacturing Materials Found
The police team found narcotics, raw materials, and equipment used in MD manufacturing at the unit. These included acetic acid, sodium carbonate, and washing soda, among other substances.
"All the chemicals seized from the factory are substances used for making smack and MD," SP Manish Tripathi confirmed. This discovery underscores the scale of the illegal operation.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Police are now actively working on several fronts. They are trying to trace the absconding accused. Officers are mapping the supply chains and financial links of the operation. Identifying the wider trafficking network is a key priority.
"Our teams are tracking the movement of suspects," Tripathi said. He added that police have begun proceedings to seize the properties of those involved. This action aims to dismantle the financial backbone of the narcotics ring.
The bust highlights the evolving methods used by criminal networks. It also shows the police's adaptive response to such high-tech threats in the region.
