New Delhi/Greater Noida: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has busted two alleged clandestine drug manufacturing laboratories in Jahanabad Kadalpur village in Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar district under ‘Operation Crystal Hunt’. The operation, conducted on October 16, 2026, led to the arrest of two accused and the seizure of a large quantity of suspected narcotic substances and chemicals.
According to the NCB, the seized material could have been used to produce a finished drug consignment estimated to be worth approximately ₹45 crore in the illicit market.
What Did the NCB Recover from the Secret Laboratories?
The NCB recovered a total of 379.740 kg of amphetamine-containing material in three forms: 4.260 kg of crystalline material, 157.700 kg of semi-crystalline material and 217.780 kg of liquid material. An additional 10 kg of pseudoephedrine was seized.
The bureau estimates that the crystalline and semi-crystalline material could yield approximately 56 kg of finished crystalline amphetamine, with an indicative illicit-market value of around ₹45 crore.
Investigators also found chemicals including hydrochloric acid, acetone, toluene, sulphuric acid and potassium permanganate. The premises contained large heating equipment, glass chemical vessels, chemical drums, filtration equipment, weighing machines, respiratory protection equipment and other laboratory materials.
Preliminary findings indicate that the rented premises were allegedly being used to manufacture and process synthetic narcotic substances.
Two Accused Arrested as Investigators Examine Identity Details
The NCB has arrested two accused: Destiny Abraham Dumbiri and Lallamzuali, also known as Olivia Lalchhuanmawii, a resident of Mizoram.
According to the bureau, Dumbiri identified himself as a Nigerian national. However, immigration records reportedly indicate that he entered India in January 2020 on a tourist visa as a citizen of Sierra Leone under the name Francis Kalokoh. His visa was valid until December 2020.
The investigating agency is examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged use of different identities.
The second accused, Olivia, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in March 2026 after 313 grams of heroin-containing powder was allegedly recovered from her checked-in luggage at Goa’s Dabolim Airport. She is currently out on bail, and the NCB is investigating her alleged role in the present case.
Could the Operation Be Linked to the 2024 Drug Lab Case?
The latest operation follows the seizure of another clandestine synthetic drug laboratory in the Kasna Industrial Area of Gautam Buddha Nagar in October 2024. Approximately 95.5 kg of narcotic substances in solid and liquid forms were seized in that case.
Investigators had reportedly examined possible links to Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Five people, including a Mexican national, were arrested in connection with that case.
However, the NCB has not confirmed whether the laboratories uncovered during Operation Crystal Hunt have any connection with the cartel or the 2024 case. Any such link remains subject to investigation.
Funding, Chemical Procurement and Supply Routes Under Scrutiny
The NCB is now examining the suspected network’s financial transactions, chemical procurement arrangements, distribution channels and technical support system.
According to the agency, investigators are working to identify potential financiers, suppliers and other alleged associates. The probe is also examining possible interstate and international connections, with further arrests not ruled out.
NCB Urges Public to Report Suspicious Activities
The bureau has warned that chemical waste generated by clandestine laboratories can contaminate soil, drains and water sources, posing risks to public health and the environment.
Landlords, property dealers, residential associations and security personnel have been urged to remain alert to suspicious activities at rented homes and industrial premises. Warning signs may include unusual chemical odours, suspicious movement of chemical drums, unexplained storage of laboratory equipment or questionable disposal of chemical waste.
The public can share credible information through the national narcotics helpline, MANAS, at 1933.
