Mumbai, PTI
In Maharashtra’s Sangli district, Mumbai police uncovered a mephedrone manufacturing unit hidden among grape farms, seizing over 100 kilograms of the illegal substance valued at Rs 245 crore. The breakthrough followed a previous drug seizure in Mumbai worth Rs 7 crore.
The raid, led by the Mumbai Crime Branch, targeted a farm in Irali village, resulting in the arrest of six individuals, including the main suspect, Pravin Shinde. Known as Doctor within his circle, Shinde, originally from Tasgaon, excelled in drug production despite limited education.
Shinde sought training in mephedrone production in Uttar Pradesh before establishing a lab in Irali village. Five other suspects, all local farmers, were involved in the operation, having purchased land in the area.
The syndicate operated for seven months, developing its distribution network. Police recovered crystalized mephedrone, nicknamed Lavish, along with manufacturing equipment. The investigation, spanning multiple states, has resulted in the arrest of ten individuals and the seizure of over 126 kilograms of mephedrone, valued at Rs 252.55 crore.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade emphasized the syndicate’s significant scale and the elaborate network it had established.
