India’s war on drugs: Secret meth lab with Mexican connections raided near Delhi

In a joint operation, India’s Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Delhi Police unveiled a large methamphetamine lab in the industrial area of Gautam Budh Nagar, near Delhi, reportedly connected to the powerful Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) from Mexico. This raid led to the seizure of about 95 kilograms of meth and a cache of chemicals and specialized equipment, highlighting a sophisticated setup likely aimed at serving both Indian and international markets.

The discovery raises concerns over the expanding reach of Mexican cartels into India’s drug trade, leveraging local networks and hidden manufacturing hubs. The meth lab was hidden in a nondescript industrial area, a strategic location believed to minimize detection. Investigations indicate collaboration with local accomplices, including a businessman previously jailed under India’s Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, a chemist from Mumbai, and an official linked to Tihar Jail.

International Links and Drug Syndicates in India

This isn’t an isolated incident. Experts see this operation as part of a broader trend of Mexican drug cartels collaborating with local operators. CJNG’s entry into India is particularly alarming, as this cartel is infamous for its brutality and its role in the North American methamphetamine trade. By setting up local manufacturing bases, international cartels are reducing cross-border risks and costs. The NCB’s recent crackdown in regions like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan also demonstrates a concerning rise in synthetic drug labs across India.

Authorities’ Strategic Response to the Threat

India’s enforcement agencies, now facing an increasingly sophisticated narco-supply chain, are ramping up collaborations and intelligence-sharing initiatives. The recent operation underscores a coordinated strategy with global agencies, including potential coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), given the Mexican connection. Authorities are also reportedly scrutinizing the money trail to dismantle broader networks possibly linked to financial entities supporting these activities.

Expert Insights on Rising Meth Production in India

Drug trafficking analysts suggest that India’s vast industrial landscape and high chemical production capacity make it an attractive hub for meth production, especially in regions with relatively less stringent oversight on chemical procurement. Experts emphasize that the CJNG cartel’s interest in India likely aims to use its strategic location to support global distribution, especially with emerging markets in Asia.

Future Implications: A Larger Crackdown on Narco Networks

The NCB’s strategic operations reveal a determined response against narcotics networks infiltrating India, with meth trafficking expected to face more intensive crackdowns. This latest bust could lead to more stringent surveillance in industrial zones across Delhi and Mumbai, and enforcement agencies are likely to introduce regulatory checks on chemical procurement to curb illicit activities.