In a shocking revelation, seven college students were arrested in Chennai on October 23, 2024, for running a methamphetamine lab in their rented home. The operation was exposed after a raid by the Tamil Nadu Police’s Anti-Drug Intelligence Unit (ADIU), who seized 250 grams of methamphetamine and a range of laboratory equipment used in the illegal production of the drug.
Among the arrested students are four robotics engineering graduates and an MSc chemistry student, all aged between 21 and 23. The individuals have been identified as Fleming Francis (21), Naveen (22), Pravin Pranav (21), Kishore (21), Gnanapandian (22), Arunkumar (22), and Dhanush (23).
The police acted on a tip-off and conducted the raid at the students’ residence in Kodungaiyur, Chennai, at which time they discovered not just methamphetamine but also chemical weighing machines, test tubes, pipettes, burettes, and raw chemicals stored in glass jars—key equipment for producing synthetic drugs.
Initially, the students’ families claimed that their children were engaged in academic research, but police found evidence suggesting that they were actively manufacturing methamphetamine. Authorities have confirmed that Gnanapandian, the MSc chemistry student, played a critical role in setting up the meth lab due to his expertise in chemistry. The other suspects, including the engineering students, were responsible for procuring chemicals from local pharmaceutical companies and online suppliers.
This alarming case has raised concerns about the growing involvement of young people in drug production as a way to achieve quick financial success. The arrested group is believed to have been motivated by the possibility of earning millions by distributing the methamphetamine. Authorities also suspect that their operations are connected to a larger drug syndicate, with potential links to other cities like Bengaluru, intensifying the investigation into their network.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin expressed his alarm over the rising trend of youth involvement in synthetic drug production and addiction. He urged young people to stay away from drugs and called for enhanced societal support systems to help steer the youth away from harmful paths.
This incident highlights a troubling new trend among students and young professionals, one that underscores the importance of fostering healthy, supportive environments to prevent youth from turning to illegal and dangerous activities. The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the full scope of the drug network involved.