**Drug Manufacturing in Rajasthan’s Fields**
In Rajasthan, drug traffickers are reportedly renting isolated fields to establish illicit drug manufacturing facilities. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has recently conducted raids in Barmer, Pratapgarh, and Jodhpur, uncovering a significant MD drug production racket. During these operations, authorities seized chemicals capable of producing drugs worth approximately ₹100 crores.
**Details of the Raids**
On July 23, 2025, Barmer police discovered a factory near the India-Pakistan border, where they confiscated chemicals valued at ₹40 lakhs, intended for MD drug production. The trafficker, identified as Ramesh Vishnoi alias Anil, had previously set up factories in Jodhpur and Pratapgarh. Currently, he is evading arrest, and authorities have placed a reward of ₹1 lakh for information leading to his capture.
**The Masterminds Behind the Operations**
According to police investigations, two key figures, Jayendra Shukla and Shiva, have been identified as the masterminds of the drug operations. Shukla, who holds a degree in computer science, was released from prison in January 2025 and began engaging in drug-related activities shortly thereafter. The duo reportedly learned drug manufacturing techniques from web series and had documented the process in two copies found at the Barmer factory.
**Seizures and Ongoing Investigations**
The police have registered a case in Barmer and have arrested four individuals connected to the racket, while eight others remain at large. Investigations revealed that the field in Barmer was rented for ₹10 lakhs, with an advance payment of ₹5 lakhs made to the landowner. The traffickers used fake companies to procure equipment and chemicals, which were transported to Barmer.
**Collaborative Efforts Against Drug Trafficking**
Following the initial raids in Barmer, a collaborative operation involving the NCB, Gujarat police, and Maharashtra police led to the seizure of additional chemicals worth ₹88 crores from locations in Maharashtra and Pratapgarh. NCB Zonal Director Ghanshyam Soni stated that Barmer has become a hotspot for drug trafficking and emphasized the need for enhanced surveillance and informant networks.
Tags: drug trafficking, Rajasthan, Narcotics Control Bureau, MD drugs, Barmer, drug raids
