‘Unusual ventilation and…’: What led to MP factory ₹1,800 crore drug haul
The accused were reportedly using cryptocurrency for transactions and were planning to send drug consignments to the UK and Dubai.
In a major development in the Madhya Pradesh factory drug bust case, the police said that the factory premises were registered as a soap manufacturing unit and were found due to its unusual ventilation system.

The case pertains to the seizure of narcotics worth ₹1,800 crore from a Bhopal factory by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
The police also found that the raided factory, located in Bagroda Industrial Enclave approximately 10 km from Bhopal, was rented out to a third party.
How MP factory's ventilation system led to drug bust
According to an NDTV report, police said that the factory's ventilation system drew investigators' attention during the ongoing operation because the ventilation system was connected to the ground level, which is a method unusual in typical industrial operations. In a common setup, ventilation is usually placed on the roof.
READ | After Delhi, narcotics seized in Bhopal today: India's biggest drug hauls
The police also found that cryptocurrency was being used for transactions and there were plans to send drug consignments to the UK and Dubai.
The accused had allegedly sourced raw materials for drug production from Vapi, Gujarat, located nearly 700 kilometers from Bhopal.
One of the accused, Harish Anjana confessed to supplying the chemicals used for manufacturing MD (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) drugs through the Gujarat-Maharashtra route during interrogation, NDTV reported.
MP factory was allotted for soap manufacturing unit: Cops
According to Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra, the land was initially allotted for a soap manufacturing unit, but it was later given on rent to a third party. The premises where the drugs were found were rented six months ago and became the prime point of investigation.
READ | 7 Rajasthan cops tracked SP Jyeshtha Maitrei’s location via her mobile; suspended
The arrests of Sanyal Prakash Bane and Amit Chaturvedi preceded the recent arrest of a third suspect, Harish Anjana, from Mandsaur district, approximately 350 km from Bhopal. He was handed over to Gujarat ATS for further interrogation. The factory owners have been booked for the crime.
ABOUT THE AUTHORHT News DeskFollow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

E-Paper


