How easy chemicals fuel clandestine drug surge

The clandestine manufacture of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD), popularly known as mephedrone, has seen a disturbing surge in India. Mumbai police have discovered several factories producing MD and dismantled these illegal operations, revealing a complex network of small-time criminals and organised networks setting up makeshift laboratories in various locations.

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Criminals exploit loopholes in the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) regulation of controlled substances order, 2013, to procure necessary chemicals.

Authorities cannot impose a complete ban on some substances as they are used in everyday items like soaps, shampoos, and medicines.

Clandestine labs rely on industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals that are legally available but diverted for illicit use.