The Mumbai Police have successfully dismantled a synthetic drug manufacturing network, seizing raw materials and chemicals valued at Rs 4 lakh that could have been used to produce mephedrone (MD) worth nearly Rs 100 crore, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The operation thwarted a major plan by drug peddlers to flood the market with synthetic narcotics.
Investigation and Raids
The crackdown originated from an investigation launched in early April into a mephedrone trafficking network. Subsequent raids were conducted at Saman Nagari and Azmi Nagar in Malwani, as well as Mauje Manori in Gorai. These operations led to the recovery of chemicals and manufacturing equipment collectively worth Rs 4 lakh. According to Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar crime unit senior police inspector Pramod Badakh, the estimated market value of these materials if processed into finished MD products would have reached Rs 100 crore.
Police Statement
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode emphasized the importance of thorough investigation, stating, "Had the police limited the investigation to mere arrests and failed to probe further, this raw material would have been processed into finished MD and distributed through peddlers."
Seizures and Arrests
Police have so far seized 6.773 kg of MD valued at Rs 13.61 crore. The haul included 255 litres of medicinal chemicals, sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, acetone, dichloromethane, melamine, chloroform, and specialized laboratory equipment such as heating mantles, flasks, recovery flasks, and addition pots. The total seizure is valued at Rs 13.65 crore. Thirteen individuals, including two women, have been arrested in connection with the case.
Initial Breakthrough
The operation began on April 4 after a raid in the Nayanagar area of Mira Road in Thane district led to the recovery of 1.32 kg of MD worth Rs 2.66 crore from a woman identified as Firdos Arbaz Qureshi. Interrogation of Firdos and her husband, Arbaz Vakil Qureshi, exposed a wider drug network, leading to multiple arrests. All accused have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The Mumbai Police continue to investigate the network to identify other individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution chain. This operation marks a significant success in the fight against synthetic drug trafficking in the region.
