Police made a significant bust on Wednesday night, uncovering a methamphetamine production lab concealed within a four-bedroom house in Omicron-1. Four Nigerian nationals were apprehended in connection with the operation.
Authorities seized a staggering 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately Rs 100 crore on the international market, from the premises. Additionally, they discovered raw materials estimated to be worth Rs 50 crore, indicating the scale of the illicit operation.
Methamphetamine, also known as MDMA or ecstasy, is a recreational drug that alters mood and perception. Its chemical composition resembles both stimulants and hallucinogens, inducing sensations of heightened energy and pleasure.
Remarkably, this marks the fourth such discovery of a drug lab in Greater Noida within a year, signaling a concerning trend in the area’s illicit drug trade.
Earlier this year, on January 31, authorities dismantled a drug trafficking network operating from a residence in Alistonia Estate in Chi 3. They seized 20 kilograms of raw materials, 445 grams of processed meth crystals, and pseudoephedrine, leading to the arrest of four individuals of foreign nationality.
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In similar operations last year, police confiscated a total of 75 kilograms of MDMA worth Rs 350 crore in raids conducted at residences in Theta-2 and Mitra Enclave of Beta-2. Thirteen individuals were apprehended, the majority of whom hailed from Nigeria and one from Senegal.
Wednesday night’s raid was executed following a tip-off, with law enforcement closely monitoring the activities of the suspects before taking action. The joint operation involved teams from Ecotech 1 and Dadri police stations, as well as SWAT and crime branch units.
DCP Saad Miya Khan emphasized the sophistication of the operation, highlighting the purity of the methamphetamine seized. The substances recovered from the scene included methanol, hypo-phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, iodine crystals, acetone, and various quantities of ephedrine crystals and powder.
The suspects, identified as Ifeanyi Johnbosco, Chidi, Emmenuel, and Onyekechi, all in their early thirties, are currently in custody. Investigations are underway to ascertain the full extent of their operations, including financial transactions and supply chains.
Authorities are also set to question the owner of the rented property, which was leased for Rs 23,000 per month, to gather further information pertinent to the case. Efforts will be made to secure remand for the arrested individuals as the investigation progresses.
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