“95 Kg Meth Seized in Delhi, Exposing Cartel’s Global Reach”
Delhi police, in a major operation, have dismantled a methamphetamine lab in Greater Noida, reportedly linked to the Mexican Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The lab, which operated out of the Kasana industrial area in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar, was discovered with approximately 95 kg of methamphetamine in both solid and liquid forms, along with essential chemicals like acetone and red phosphorous, widely used in meth production. This bust follows a similar raid just days earlier in Chennai, underscoring a growing meth production trend in India inspired by the methods showcased in popular culture, like the hit series Breaking Bad.
Authorities were alerted to the operation due to suspicious chemical orders and the movement of cartel-linked individuals. Notably, two individuals involved in this enterprise were identified as expert chemists, codenamed “Iko” and “Usta,” who managed the meth production using advanced lab equipment, including heating mantles and professional-grade gas masks. Police sources disclosed that they recovered smaller quantities of meth from the suspects directly, totaling around 200 grams from one and 75 grams from another. The setup reportedly also provided local peddlers with meth for further distribution across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
The CJNG cartel, notorious for violent practices and ties to multiple international trafficking networks, has been attempting to expand its influence by leveraging local production facilities outside of Mexico. This cartel, which emerged from the remnants of the Milenio Cartel, is also infamously known for its brutal internal practices, including cannibalizing failed recruits. The involvement of the CJNG cartel in India reflects a disturbing shift in the drug trade landscape, marking a potential foothold in the region for such international criminal organizations.
Indian authorities are now intensifying their investigations, probing deeper into CJNG’s ties within India and its potential collaborators. This operation serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing and expanding battle against narcotics networks, with police across India adopting more aggressive strategies to counter the production and distribution of illegal substances.
