Nagpur: In a significant crackdown, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has exposed an MD drug factory operating in an under-construction building in Panchpaoli. The DRI raided the site and uncovered a fully equipped lab for the production of mephedrone (MD), complete with chemicals, equipment, and materials necessary for the drug’s synthesis. They also seized raw materials capable of producing over 100 kilograms of MD, with an estimated value of ₹78 crore. This marks the first MD production lab discovered in Vidarbha.
Previously, MD drugs were smuggled into Maharashtra from Delhi or directly from Goa. The formula for making MD was originally known to Nigerian scientists, and drugs were being imported from Nigeria. However, for the past three years, there have been attempts to manufacture MD locally within India. Over the past year, sophisticated networks of educated individuals have emerged across various states in India, dedicated to MD production. Maharashtra had not seen any MD labs until now, when three suspects set up a lab in a building in Panchpaoli, Nagpur.
Upon receiving a tip-off, a team from the DRI Mumbai launched an operation late Saturday night and raided the building. They discovered the setup for drug production, along with 50 kilograms of MD precursor materials and other chemicals, bringing the total seized material to ₹78 crore. The suspects, including a financer and two pharmaceutical manufacturers, have been arrested and are currently in DRI custody for further investigation. Additional suspects are believed to be involved.
Following the raid, a press release was issued by the police department detailing the operation. The DRI team, led by Gaurav Meshram, received confidential information on August 10, 2024, about four men staying at the residence of Haribhau Nimje in Balabhau Peth, Panchpaoli. These individuals were reportedly producing MD using liquid chemicals in a rented room. Acting on this tip-off, the DRI team, along with local police, conducted the raid and found 51.95 kilograms of liquid MD and other production materials.
The press release notes that the suspects have been detained under the NDPS Act, 1985, and are currently under DRI’s custody for further interrogation.
As discussions continue, the question remains: Who deserves the credit for this major bust—the Panchpaoli police or the DRI team?
