Breaking Bad in Chennai: 7 students arrested for cooking high-octane narcotic drugs at home

A group of seven young people, including an MSc chemistry student and four robotics engineering graduates, have been arrested for allegedly running a methamphetamine lab in Kodungaiyur. Police raided the location on Wednesday, discovering meth, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. The parents of the suspects believed they were studying, unaware of the illegal activities occurring in their home, a TOI report stated.

Details of the Operation

The city's newly established Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit (ADIU) conducted the raid after gathering specific intelligence about the operation. They seized 250 grams of meth, two mobile phones, lab equipment, and various chemicals. The arrested individuals are Fleming Francis (21) from Teynampet, Naveen (22) from Poonamallee, Pravin Pranav (21) from Kodungaiyur, Kishore (21), Gnanapandian (22) from Nandiyambakkam, Arunkumar (22) from Kodungaiyur, and Dhanush (23) from Manali. Gnanapandian is currently pursuing an MSc in Chemistry, while the others recently graduated in robotics engineering.

Ongoing Investigation

K. Manoj, the assistant commissioner of police with ADIU, stated that the team has been monitoring synthetic drug dealers in the city. The operation was conducted in a room at one of the suspect's homes, where the activity remained hidden from the parents. "The students ran it as a secret operation, and the parents thought they were doing academic work," said a police officer.


The police are investigating the duration of the operation and the group's formation. Gnanapandian's chemistry knowledge played a role, while the others sourced chemicals and equipment from pharmaceutical companies in Parrys and online.

Wider Network Suspected

Police believe that the criminal network may have connections to cities like Bengaluru. All seven suspects have been remanded in judicial custody as investigations continue.