‘Breaking Bad’ in Bharuch: Pharma Firm Employee Sets Up MD Drug Lab in Rented Flat, Arrested

Bharuch: In a case reminiscent of the popular crime drama Breaking Bad, police in Gujarat’s Bharuch busted an alleged synthetic drug manufacturing unit operating from a rented apartment and arrested a pharmaceutical company employee for setting up a “live laboratory” to produce MD drugs.

Raid on ‘Live Laboratory’

Acting on a tip-off, local police raided the rented flat and discovered what officials described as a fully functional illegal drug lab. During the operation, authorities seized 74.88 grams of MD (Mephedrone) valued at approximately ₹2.24 lakh in the illegal market.

In addition to the finished narcotics, police recovered a stash of raw materials, chemical compounds, and laboratory apparatus allegedly used to manufacture the synthetic drug. The equipment included glassware, heating instruments, measuring tools, and packaging materials.

Accused a Pharma Employee

Investigators revealed that the accused was employed at a pharmaceutical firm and is suspected of using his technical knowledge to produce the banned substance. Police believe his professional background enabled him to procure chemicals and set up the manufacturing process discreetly.

Preliminary investigation suggests the accused had rented the flat specifically to operate the lab and had been producing the drug for distribution in nearby areas.

Legal Action and Further Probe

A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused has been taken into custody for further questioning.

Police are now probing the supply chain to determine where the raw materials were sourced from and identifying potential buyers and accomplices. Officials are also examining whether the operation had links to a larger drug distribution network.

Rising Concern Over Synthetic Drugs

The bust has raised concerns over the growing menace of synthetic drugs in Gujarat. Authorities stated that intensified surveillance and intelligence gathering are underway to prevent similar illegal operations.

Further investigation is ongoing.