Chennai, October 24: In a shocking incident reminiscent of the hit series “Breaking Bad,” seven college students in Chennai have been arrested for allegedly running a methamphetamine laboratory from a home in the Kodungaiyur area. The arrested individuals include four robotics engineering graduates and one MSc chemistry student, all accused of producing crystal meth in a makeshift lab.

TNIE reported that the Tamil Nadu Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit (ADIU) conducted a raid on the premises after receiving a tip-off. During the operation, officers uncovered 250 grams of methamphetamine, along with a variety of laboratory equipment and raw chemicals. Items seized included mobile phones, chemical weighing machines, glass jars, and scientific instruments such as test tubes, pipettes, and burettes. Pune Pub Vandalised Over Drug Scandal: Pawan Sanghatna Members Vandalise L3 Bar After Video of Youths Allegedly Consuming Drugs Goes Viral.

The suspects, identified as Fleming Francis (21), Naveen (22), Pravin Pranav (21), Kishore (21), Gnanapandian (22), Arunkumar (22), and Dhanush (23), have been placed in judicial custody. Authorities suspect that the group was part of a larger criminal syndicate involved in supplying meth. Trans-Border Drug Syndicate Busted: Heroin Smuggled From Myanmar Worth Over INR 6.40 Crore Seized in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, 3 Arrested.

While the families of the students claimed they were conducting academic research, further investigations revealed the illegal drug activities occurring in one of the rooms. Police believe Gnanapandian’s chemistry background was crucial in the drug manufacturing process, while the others procured chemicals and equipment from pharmaceutical companies and online sources. The ADIU is continuing its investigation, focusing on curbing synthetic drug production in the city.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 24, 2024 07:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).