Surat: The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Surat Police has busted an illegal drug manufacturing unit operating under the cover of a food testing laboratory at Polaris Shopping Mall in the Parvat Patiya area, uncovering an alleged international link to London. Three persons have been arrested, while the main accused, Janak Jadani, is believed to be based in the UK.

Police said the unit was producing high-purity Mephedrone (MD), a synthetic drug, using sophisticated equipment. Narcotics worth about Rs 2.92 lakh, along with chemicals and ready-to-sell drugs, were seized during the raid.

The operation came to light on January 1, 2026, when SOG officers arrested 21-year-old Jill Thummar of Amroli and recovered 236 grams of MD drugs from him. During interrogation, Thummar disclosed that the drugs had been manufactured in Surat rather than sourced from another state.

Based on this information, the SOG raided “Dikriya Food and Pharma Analytical Laboratory” located at Polaris Shopping Centre on Vesu Canal Road. Though the premises appeared to be a routine food testing facility, officers found reactors, modern machinery and hazardous chemicals allegedly used to manufacture high-grade Mephedrone.

Three accused, including a senior laboratory technician, were arrested. Police said the individuals possessed technical expertise in chemical sciences and were involved in the preparation of synthetic drugs at the unit. Investigators further revealed that the laboratory was allegedly controlled by Janak Jadani, who is currently in London. It has come to light that Janak provided financial support, chemical formulations and operational guidance from abroad, using the Surat-based lab as a production hub.

Police suspect the drugs were being distributed through local peddlers, particularly in upscale areas of the city. Following the disclosure of the overseas connection, Surat police are considering approaching central agencies and may seek Interpol assistance to initiate legal action against the main accused. DeshGujarat