Mumbai: In one of the biggest anti-narcotics operations in Maharashtra this year, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a clandestine mephedrone (MD) drug manufacturing unit in Satara district, exposing a well-organised synthetic drug network operating under the cover of a poultry business.&nbsp;The operation, codenamed “Operation Sahyadri Checkmate,” was carried out in a remote village in Karad taluka, where DRI officials raided a property that appeared to function as a poultry farm.&nbsp;Upon inspection, the premises were found to house a fully equipped illegal drug laboratory, strategically located in a secluded area to avoid suspicion and law enforcement scrutiny.&nbsp;During the raid, officials seized around 21.9 kilograms of mephedrone in various forms, including liquid, semi-liquid and crystalline substances.&nbsp;&nbsp;Along with the finished narcotics, the DRI also recovered over 70 kilograms of chemical precursors and raw materials, capable of being used to manufacture additional quantities of the banned drug. The total value of the seized contraband is estimated at Rs 55 crore in the illicit market.&nbsp;The DRI has arrested five individuals in connection with the case. Those held include the chemist involved in producing the drug, the financer of the operation, the owner of the poultry farm used as a front, and others responsible for transportation and logistics.&nbsp;&nbsp;Officials revealed that several of the accused have previous cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, indicating links to organised drug syndicates.&nbsp;Investigators said the drug manufacturing unit was mobile and frequently shifted locations, a tactic used to evade detection. Intelligence inputs suggest that the mephedrone produced at the lab was being supplied to multiple urban centres across Maharashtra, with possible interstate links.&nbsp;Officials termed the bust a major blow to the illegal synthetic drug trade in the region. The operation is expected to disrupt supply chains and choke the availability of mephedrone, a drug that has seen rising abuse, particularly among youth.&nbsp;Further investigations are underway to identify backward and forward linkages, including suppliers of chemical ingredients and distributors involved in the narcotics network. Authorities have indicated that more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

During the raid, officials seized around 21.9 kilograms of mephedrone in various forms, including liquid, semi-liquid and crystalline substances. Along with the finished narcotics, the DRI also recovered over 70 kilograms of chemical precursors and raw materials.

Mumbai: In one of the biggest anti-narcotics operations in Maharashtra this year, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a clandestine mephedrone (MD) drug manufacturing unit in Satara district, exposing a well-organised synthetic drug network operating under the cover of a poultry business. The operation, codenamed “Operation Sahyadri Checkmate,” was carried out in a remote village in Karad taluka, where DRI officials raided a property that appeared to function as a poultry farm. Upon inspection, the premises were found to house a fully equipped illegal drug laboratory, strategically located in a secluded area to avoid suspicion and law enforcement scrutiny. During the raid, officials seized around 21.9 kilograms of mephedrone in various forms, including liquid, semi-liquid and crystalline substances. Along with the finished narcotics, the DRI also recovered over 70 kilograms of chemical precursors and raw materials, capable of being used to manufacture additional quantities of the banned drug. The total value of the seized contraband is estimated at Rs 55 crore in the illicit market. The DRI has arrested five individuals in connection with the case. Those held include the chemist involved in producing the drug, the financer of the operation, the owner of the poultry farm used as a front, and others responsible for transportation and logistics. Officials revealed that several of the accused have previous cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, indicating links to organised drug syndicates. Investigators said the drug manufacturing unit was mobile and frequently shifted locations, a tactic used to evade detection. Intelligence inputs suggest that the mephedrone produced at the lab was being supplied to multiple urban centres across Maharashtra, with possible interstate links. Officials termed the bust a major blow to the illegal synthetic drug trade in the region. The operation is expected to disrupt supply chains and choke the availability of mephedrone, a drug that has seen rising abuse, particularly among youth. Further investigations are underway to identify backward and forward linkages, including suppliers of chemical ingredients and distributors involved in the narcotics network. Authorities have indicated that more arrests are likely as the probe progresses.

During the raid, officials seized around 21.9 kilograms of mephedrone in various forms, including liquid, semi-liquid and crystalline substances. Along with the finished narcotics, the DRI also recovered over 70 kilograms of chemical precursors and raw materials.

From poultry farm to drug lab: DRI uncovers Rs 55 crore MD Factory in Satara

At the heart of the Pune police's investigation into one of the largest mephedrone seizures in India is a suspect named Sandeep Dhunia, a British national of Indian origin. Dhunia allegedly formed his cartel associates from people&nbsp;he met during his time in jail at Yerawada Central Prison following his arrest by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a significant mephedrone haul in Pune in 2016.

The Pune City police's Crime Branch has seized approximately 1,800 kg of mephedrone valued at over $300 million.&nbsp;These seizures occurred during raids conducted at a chemical manufacturing factory in Daund taluka, towns&nbsp;in Pune's Vishrantwadi, various shops in South Extension in New Delhi, and additional locations in Sangli district.

Investigations exposed a sophisticated production line for the synthetic stimulant, which operated from a chemical factory masquerading as a pharmaceutical unit in Kurkumbh, Daund.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/massive-drug-bust-meow-meow-haul-worth-300mn-seized-in-delhi-pune-raids-692204">Also read |&nbsp;Massive drug bust in India: 'Meow Meow' haul worth $300mn seized in Delhi, Pune raids</a>

<h2>Legal pursuits and prosecution planning</h2>

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, as quoted by the Indian Express, said, “We are seeking appointment of a special counsel in the case and we have started our planning to conduct prosecution in a fast track manner.”

Kumar further said, “Probe has already crystalised the aspect that consignments were being sent to London through a courier agency in Delhi. We are now collecting evidence on this and also trying to establish since when this was going on. One wanted accused, who is the mastermind of a vertical in the cartel, is a native of Bihar and is a British national. Our information suggests this person had gone to another country and from there he is known to have fled to another country since we launched the crackdown in this case. The process has been initiated for his arrest.”

Also watch |&nbsp;India: Manipur HC deletes part of earlier order for inclusion of Meiteis in ST list

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-manipur-hc-deletes-part-of-earlier-order-for-inclusion-of-meiteis-in-st-list-693024/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities have uncovered evidence indicating that consignments of mephedrone were dispatched to London via a courier agency in Delhi. Efforts are underway to establish the duration and extent of this operation. One key suspect, a British national originally from Bihar, is believed to have fled the country amidst the crackdown.

Multiple suspects remain at large, prompting the deployment of police teams at various locations across the country for their apprehension.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At the heart of the Pune police's investigation into one of the largest mephedrone seizures in India is a suspect named Sandeep Dhunia, a British national of Indian origin.

At the heart of the Pune police's investigation into one of the largest mephedrone seizures in India is a suspect named Sandeep Dhunia, a British national of Indian origin. Dhunia allegedly formed his cartel associates from people he met during his time in jail at Yerawada Central Prison following his arrest by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a significant mephedrone haul in Pune in 2016. The Pune City police's Crime Branch has seized approximately 1,800 kg of mephedrone valued at over $300 million. These seizures occurred during raids conducted at a chemical manufacturing factory in Daund taluka, towns in Pune's Vishrantwadi, various shops in South Extension in New Delhi, and additional locations in Sangli district. Investigations exposed a sophisticated production line for the synthetic stimulant, which operated from a chemical factory masquerading as a pharmaceutical unit in Kurkumbh, Daund. Also read | Massive drug bust in India: 'Meow Meow' haul worth $300mn seized in Delhi, Pune raids Legal pursuits and prosecution planning Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, as quoted by the Indian Express, said, “We are seeking appointment of a special counsel in the case and we have started our planning to conduct prosecution in a fast track manner.” Kumar further said, “Probe has already crystalised the aspect that consignments were being sent to London through a courier agency in Delhi. We are now collecting evidence on this and also trying to establish since when this was going on. One wanted accused, who is the mastermind of a vertical in the cartel, is a native of Bihar and is a British national. Our information suggests this person had gone to another country and from there he is known to have fled to another country since we launched the crackdown in this case. The process has been initiated for his arrest.” Also watch | India: Manipur HC deletes part of earlier order for inclusion of Meiteis in ST list Authorities have uncovered evidence indicating that consignments of mephedrone were dispatched to London via a courier agency in Delhi. Efforts are underway to establish the duration and extent of this operation. One key suspect, a British national originally from Bihar, is believed to have fled the country amidst the crackdown. Multiple suspects remain at large, prompting the deployment of police teams at various locations across the country for their apprehension. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Sandeep Dhunia, alleged mastermind behind 1,800 kg Pune drug bust?

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five people and seized 129 kilograms of drugs along with over Rs one crore in cash from their possession.

The ATS has arrested them from Mumbai on Monday and Tuesday. According to the police, three accused have been sent to custody till September 16 while two others will be produced in court on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"ATS team had conducted search yesterday and today and we have seized 129 kilograms of MD drug. Initially, we had recovered 9 kilograms of drugs and later during or investigation we had also recovered one factory premise in Navi Mumbai, where the search is still underway. We had recovered another 120 kilograms of drugs from there which makes a total os 129 kilograms of drugs," said a police official while addressing a presser.

"We have also recovered Rs 1 crore 4 lakh in cash from the factory premise.

According to the information we have received, this network was operating on a large scale in Mumbai.

These are one of the main suppliers of drugs in the city. They used to handle everything from manufacturing to supplying," he added.

The police are further probing the case and trying to search for other connections in this network.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five people and seized 129 kilograms of drugs along with over Rs one crore in cash from their possession. The ATS has arrested them from Mumbai on Monday and Tuesday.

Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has arrested five people and seized 129 kilograms of drugs along with over Rs one crore in cash from their possession. The ATS has arrested them from Mumbai on Monday and Tuesday. According to the police, three accused have been sent to custody till September 16 while two others will be produced in court on Wednesday. "ATS team had conducted search yesterday and today and we have seized 129 kilograms of MD drug. Initially, we had recovered 9 kilograms of drugs and later during or investigation we had also recovered one factory premise in Navi Mumbai, where the search is still underway. We had recovered another 120 kilograms of drugs from there which makes a total os 129 kilograms of drugs," said a police official while addressing a presser. "We have also recovered Rs 1 crore 4 lakh in cash from the factory premise. According to the information we have received, this network was operating on a large scale in Mumbai. These are one of the main suppliers of drugs in the city. They used to handle everything from manufacturing to supplying," he added. The police are further probing the case and trying to search for other connections in this network.

Mumbai: 5 arrested with 129 kg drugs, over Rs 1 crore cash

mephedrone

Mephedrone, News on Mephedrone, stories on Mephedrone, articles on Mephedrone, Mephedrone stories at Wion, Mephedrone news, Mephedrone latest news