Rajasthan’s Breaking Bad: The total market value of 5 kg of Mephedrone or MD produced at the lab in the flat is estimated at Rs 15 crore
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) recently busted a drugs manufacturing laboratory set up in a residential society in Rajasthan’s Sri Ganganagar district.
The two science teachers allegedly operating it were inspired by popular Netflix show Breaking Bad, the NCB said.
The federal agency, in a statement, said the laboratory was manufacturing Mephedrone (4-Methylmethcathinone), also known as MD. Searches at a flat in Dream Homes Apartments, Ridhi Sindhi Enclave, in the district led to the seizure of 780 gm of the drug, it said.
According to narcotics experts, MD is a synthetic stimulant drug in the cathinone family, which gives a feeling of euphoria immediately after consumption, but is addictive and continuous use causes severe psychological and health conditions.
The arrested duo
The NCB arrested the two — Indrajeet Vishnoi, 35, physics teacher at a private school and coaching centre till last year and a Rajasthan Administrative Services (RAS) aspirant, and Manoj Bhargav, 25, a science teacher at the Government Senior Secondary School in Muklawa, Sri Ganganagar.
NCB officials said the duo had taken the flat on rent around two months ago, and had sourced the chemicals and equipment from Delhi.
What was found in the flat?
Apart from MD, precursor chemicals such as acetone, benzene, sodium hydrogen carbonate, bromine, methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, 4-methyl propiophenone, n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, and lab equipment used in the manufacturing of synthetic drugs were also seized, the agency said.
Drugs worth Rs 15 crore made in over 2 months
Of the 5 kg made, 4.22 kg had already been sold. The NCB recovered 780 gram during the raid. This batch alone has a market value of Rs 2.34 crore. The total market value of all 5 kg produced is estimated at Rs 15 crore.
How harmful is mephedrone?
Mephedrone, also known as 4-methylmethcathinone (4-MMC), is a synthetic stimulant drug that is chemically similar to cathinone, a substance found in the khat plant. It’s often classified as a ‘designer drug’ and was once part of the group known as ‘bath salts’. It’s typically found in the form of a white powder or crystals, and it can be swallowed, snorted, injected, or even bummed (rectal use).
It stimulates the central nervous system and produces effects similar to MDMA (ecstasy), amphetamines, and cocaine.
Short-term side effects include nausea and vomiting, anxiety, paranoia, or panic attacks, insomnia, agitation or aggression, headaches, loss of appetite. More serious/long-term risks include heart problems, seizures, risk of addiction and tolerance, mental health issues, damage to the nose or veins, hyperthermia, risky behaviour. Overdose is possible and can be life-threatening.