New Delhi: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) in a joint operation 'Operation Prayogshala,' busted three secret drug production facilities in Gujarat and Rajasthan on Saturday.

Drugs valued at around Rs 300 crore were confiscated during the operation.

Seven people linked with the drug syndicate have been detained, and the mastermind has been identified, with plans for imminent arrest, as stated by the NCB.

The NCB reported raids are underway at a fourth site in Amreli, Gujarat.

In the overnight operation, law enforcement authorities confiscated 149 kg of mephedrone in both powder and liquid forms, along with 50 kg of Ephedrine and 200 liters of Acetone.

The coordinated raids were initiated following intelligence provided by a confidential source to the Gujarat ATS, indicating the presence of hidden mephedrone manufacturing labs in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Law enforcement agencies are also pursuing the identification of the origin of precursor chemicals and tracing the distribution network, encompassing both domestic and international connections.

Mephedrone, alternatively known as 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC, and 4-methylephedrone, belongs to the synthetic stimulant category, falling under the amphetamine and cathinone classes. Informal terms for mephedrone include drone, M-CAT, White Magic, "meow meow," and bubble.