New Delhi:To tighten the noose on the black drug trade, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) launched such an attack that the game of illegal drug trade worth crores of rupees was exposed. Under 'Operation Crystal Hunt', NCB has busted two alleged secret drug manufacturing laboratories running in Jahanabad Kadalpur village of Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. Two accused were arrested in this action taken on 16 October 2026. It is estimated that a finished drug consignment worth Rs 45 crore will be made from the recovered material.
Drug factory in rented houses
A total of 379.740 kg of amphetamine containing material was recovered in the NCB action. It contains 4.260 kg of crystalline, 157.700 kg of semi-crystalline and 217.780 kg of liquid material. Apart from this, 10 kg pseudoephedrine was also seized. According to the Bureau, about 56 kg of prepared crystalline amphetamine is estimated to be obtained from the recovered crystalline and semi-crystalline material, whose indicative value in the illicit market is estimated to be around Rs 45 crore.
A large quantity of chemicals including hydrochloric acid, acetone, toluene, sulfuric acid and potassium permanganate were also found at the spot. The laboratories contained large-sized heating equipment, glass chemical vessels, drums of chemicals, filtration equipment, weighing machines, respiratory protection equipment and other laboratory equipment. Initial investigation revealed that the rented premises were allegedly being used for manufacturing and processing synthetic narcotics.
Question on identity, accused under investigation
NCB has arrested two accused so far. These include Destiny Abraham Dumbiri and Mizoram resident Lallamjuali alias Olivia Lalchavimawai. According to the bureau, Dumbiri described himself as a Nigerian citizen but as per immigration records, he had come to India in January 2020 on a tourist visa as a Sierra Leonean citizen with the name Francis Kalokoh. His visa was valid till December 2020. The investigating agency is now investigating the reasons behind the use of different identities.
The second accused, Olivia, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in March 2026 in connection with the recovery of 313 grams of heroin-containing powder from her check-in luggage at Dabolim airport in Goa. He is currently on bail. NCB is now also investigating his alleged role in the current case.
Strings may be connected to the action of 2024
This action comes after another clandestine synthetic narcotics laboratory was busted in October 2024 in Kasna Industrial Area of Gautam Buddha Nagar. In that case, about 95.5 kg of narcotics in solid and liquid form were seized. The investigation revealed possible links to Mexico's alleged drug gang 'Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación' (CJNG). Five people, including a Mexican national, were arrested in that case. However, whether the current action is linked to that gang or not has not been confirmed yet.
Now investigation will be done from funding to supply network
NCB is now investigating the financial transactions of this network, purchase distribution system of chemicals and technical helpers. According to the agency, potential financiers, suppliers and other partners are being identified. With further arrests being made in the case, inter-state and international links are also being investigated.
Appeal to the public – inform if you see suspicious activity
NCB has warned that chemical waste released from such secret laboratories can contaminate soil, drains and water sources, posing a serious threat to public health and the environment. Landlords, property traders, housing societies and security personnel have been appealed to remain alert if unusual chemical smell, suspicious movement of chemical drums, unclear storage of laboratory equipment or suspicious disposal of chemical waste are noticed in rented houses or industrial premises. Such reliable information can be given on the National Drug Helpline Manas 1933.