Chennai Police Bust Student-Run Meth Lab: 7 Arrested

In a real-life twist reminiscent of the hit TV show Breaking Bad, seven students from Chennai have been arrested for running a methamphetamine lab from a house in Kodungaiyur. The group, which included an MSc chemistry student and four robotics engineering graduates, operated the drug lab while their unsuspecting parents believed they were focused on their studies.

The Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit (ADIU) of the city police, led by assistant commissioner K Manoj, raided the lab on Wednesday, seizing 250g of meth, chemicals, lab equipment, and two mobile phones. The operation followed a targeted investigation into synthetic drug peddling in Chennai. Police suspect the drug ring has links in other cities, including Bengaluru.

Those arrested include Fleming Francis, 21, from Teynampet; Naveen, 22, from Poonamallee; Pravin Pranav, 21, from Kodungaiyur; Kishore, 21, and Gnanapandian, 22, from Nandiyambakkam; Arunkumar, 22, from Kodungaiyur; and Dhanush, 23, from Manali. Gnanapandian, who had expertise in chemistry, allegedly spearheaded the meth production, while the others handled sourcing chemicals and equipment, mostly procured from Parrys and online platforms.

Police were shocked to discover that the lab had been running right under the noses of the students' families, who believed their children were simply pursuing academic work. "The students ran it as a secret operation, and the parents thought they were doing academic work," a police officer told The Times Of India. "We are still investigating how long they've been operating and how the group came together."

All seven students have been remanded to judicial custody, and authorities are investigating the extent of the operation and any further connections to wider criminal networks.