New Delhi, Nov. 15 -- In a major crackdown on synthetic drug manufacturing, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Rajasthan Police have busted a clandestine laboratory operating from a remote farmhouse in Daantrai village of Sirohi district in Rajasthan.

The joint operation led to the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of chemicals--sufficient to manufacture nearly 100 kg of Mephedrone, a psychotropic substance with an estimated street value of Rs 40 crore.

"Five individuals, including the mastermind, have been arrested in the operation," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

According to officials, the breakthrough came as a result of NCB's continuous sensitisation of district police forces through monthly district-level NC...