BENAGLURU: The Karnataka Congress government has landed in a major embarrassment after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officially confirmed that a high-tech drug manufacturing laboratory was operating in Mysuru, directly contradicting earlier claims made by state Home Minister G. Parameshwara that only a “phenyl factory” had been found.
The revelation has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and exposed glaring lapses in the state’s intelligence and policing systems. What was initially dismissed as a routine industrial unit has now turned out to be a sophisticated narcotics production hub functioning right under the nose of the Karnataka government.
NCB busts major interstate drug racket
In a detailed press release, the Delhi-based NCB announced that it had dismantled a massive drug network operating across Gujarat and Karnataka. During coordinated raids, officers seized 35 kg of Mephedrone (MD) worth around Rs 10 crore, 1.8 kg of opium, and Rs 25.6 lakh in cash. Four accused, including the kingpin Mahendra Kumar Vishnoi from Rajasthan’s Jalore district, have been arrested.
🚨 NCB busts a major inter-state drug trafficking syndicate & detects a clandestine drug manufacturing lab in Mysore.
🔷️ Drugs worth approx. Rs 10 crore (street value), along with Rs 25.6 lakh in cash, a Toyota Fortuner & over 500 kg of various chemicals have been seized so… pic.twitter.com/3KA3TpvRTr
— NCB INDIA (@narcoticsbureau) January 30, 2026
According to the NCB, the accused were running an illegal drugs manufacturing unit in the Hebbal Industrial Area of Mysuru under the disguise of a phenyl manufacturing factory. The raid led to the recovery of advanced equipment and raw materials used exclusively for producing synthetic drugs.
Secret lab operating in the guise of a phenyl unit
The NCB statement clearly established that the Mysuru unit was not an innocent chemical factory as claimed by the state government, but a full-fledged clandestine drug laboratory. The agency revealed that sophisticated machinery, chemical solvents and other incriminating materials were found at the premises.
Investigators further disclosed that the mastermind, Mahendra Kumar, had learned drug manufacturing techniques while lodged in jail. After securing bail, he set up operations in Mysuru and began large-scale production and distribution of narcotics.
This sensational disclosure has completely demolished the narrative earlier put forward by the Karnataka Home Minister and local police.
Home Minister’s claim falls flat
Soon after the raid, Home Minister G Parameshwara had publicly stated that the unit in Mysuru was merely a phenyl factory and that no drugs or raw materials had been found. He relied on preliminary reports from local police to downplay the seriousness of the incident.
However, the official confirmation from the NCB has now proved those statements to be entirely misleading. The central agency’s findings have exposed how casually the Congress government treated a grave issue involving drugs and organised crime.
Political observers say the episode highlights the incompetence of the state machinery and the lack of coordination between the Karnataka police and national agencies.
Opposition slams Congress Government
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, accusing it of being completely ineffective in curbing the growing drug menace in the state.
“Drugs are being manufactured and supplied on a large scale in Karnataka, but the Congress government is in deep slumber. Instead of taking strict action, the Home Minister made irresponsible statements that there was only a phenyl factory in Mysuru,” Ashoka said.
ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಎಗ್ಗಿಲ್ಲದೆ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ ಡ್ರಗ್ಸ್ ದಂಧೆಗೆ ಕಡಿವಾಣ ಹಾಕುವಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್ ಸರ್ಕಾರ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ವಿಫಲವಾಗಿದ್ದು, ನಮ್ಮ ಯುವಕರ ಭವಿಷ್ಯದ ಜೊತೆ ಚೆಲ್ಲಾಟವಾಡುತ್ತಿದೆ.
ಬೆಳಗಾವಿ ಅಧಿವೇಶನದಲ್ಲಿ ಇದರ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಪ್ರಸ್ತಾಪ ಮಾಡಿದ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ "ಡ್ರಗ್ಸ್ ದಂಧೆ ಎಲ್ಲ ರಾಜ್ಯಗಳಲ್ಲಿಯೂ ಇದೆ" ಎಂದು ಇದರ ಗಂಭೀರತೆ ಅರಿಯದೆ ಗೃಹ ಸಚಿವ… pic.twitter.com/c82ArnAkwj
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) January 31, 2026
He pointed out that during the Belagavi Assembly session, when the issue of rising drug cases was raised, Parameshwara had casually remarked that drug problems exist in all states. “Such careless attitudes show how insensitive this government is towards the future of our youth,” Ashoka added.
Intelligence and policing failure
Ashoka further questioned why Karnataka police failed to detect such a major drug lab and why central agencies had to step in.
“The Karnataka police force was once known for its efficiency and bravery. But under this Congress government, it has become weak and directionless. If Maharashtra and Delhi officers have to come and uncover drug networks in our state, what are our police and intelligence departments doing?” he asked.
He warned that the unchecked spread of the narcotics trade in Karnataka is destroying the lives of young people and ruining families. “The Congress government is playing with the future of our next generation,” he alleged.
