In a major drug bust, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Anti-terrorism Squad (ATS) of Gujarat seized a staggering 1.8 crore worth of mephedrone (MD) drugs and raw materials during a joint operation in the Bagroda Industrial Area on the outskirts of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The two key suspects, Sanyal Prakash Bane and Amit Chaturvedi were arrested in connection with the illegal drug manufacturing operation. Bane, previously arrested in a similar case in 2017 in Amboli, Mumbai, has set up the illicit unit alongside Chaturvedi.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo had rented the industrial shed about six to seven months ago, with full-scale production of the drugs beginning three to four months ago. Authorities raided the unit following a tip-off, apprehending the suspects during the manufacturing process. During the raid, the officials recovered 907kg of mephedrone, 5000kg of raw materials, and sophisticated equipment used for the production. The factory, which had the capacity to produce 25kg of MD per day, was also seized.

This bust marks the largest illegal drug manufacturing operation ever uncovered by the ATS in Gujarat. Besides the drugs and equipment, authorities also discovered ledgers, supplier contacts, and potential buyer information, which is expected to be crucial in dismantling the broader narcotic network. Investigations are ongoing to trace the wider supply and distribution links, and officials believe this operation could have far-reaching consequences for the drug trade in the region.

Further updates are awaited as the investigation progresses.

This is another raid after one of the biggest drug busts in Delhi. The Delhi police recovered almost 560kg of cocaine and 40kg of hydroponic marijuana an estimated of 5.6 crore from Mahipalpur, South Delhi.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Josna Lewis/MSM)