Nagpur: Ina major blow to the illegal drug trade, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Mumbai Zonal Unit dismantled a major clandestine Mephedrone (MD) drug manufacturing factory in Pachpaoli area of Nagpur and arrested four persons in this connection.
The DRI agents seized approximately 52 kilograms of liquid Mephedrone, valued at an estimated Rs 78 crore.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials executed a well-coordinated search operation at an under-construction building in Pachpaoli area of the city on Saturday. The search revealed presence of a small-scale laboratory, meticulously equipped with an array of chemicals, materials, and machinery necessary for the production of Mephedrone. This synthetic stimulant, often referred to as ‘meow meow,’ is classified as a psychotropic substance under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
According to DRI officials, the mastermind behind the operation had orchestrated establishment of the laboratory by procuring a comprehensive set of machinery and raw materials capable of producing over 100 kilograms of Mephedrone. The authorities discovered that the syndicate had already prepared more than 50 kilograms of Mephedrone in liquid form, with further processing underway to convert it into crystalline or powdered form.
During the operation, DRI agents seized approximately 51.95 kilograms of liquid Mephedrone, valued at an estimated Rs 78 crore. In addition to the drug itself, the DRI confiscated a large quantity of raw materials and specialised equipment used in the manufacturing process.
The four persons who have been nabbed in connection in the operation are Akash Harode, Sahil Sheikh, Sumit Ghonmode, and Divyanshu. The DRI has confirmed that these men include both the mastermind and his primary accomplices involved in the manufacturing process. The arrested suspects have been placed in DRI custody for further interrogation under the NDPS Act, 1985.
DRI officials are now scanning their phone call details to find out the details of the peddling rackets which would take drugs from the group. The investigators are also obtaining details of the transactions of the bank accounts held by the accused. DRI personnel will also check if the accused have bought any properties using money earned from the drugs business, the agency said.
The arrested accused were produced before the court on Sunday and were sent to DRI custody for further interrogation.
