The operation has emerged as a major raid, during which 11.36 kilograms of the banned narcotic substance were recovered. The total value of the seized mephedrone in the illegal market is estimated at around Rs 17 crore.
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Mumbai: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has busted a clandestine drug mephedrone manufacturing factory in the remote hilly area of Rohina village in Latur district in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra.
The operation has emerged as a major raid, during which 11.36 kilograms of the banned narcotic substance were recovered. The total value of the seized mephedrone in the illegal market is estimated at around Rs 17 crore.
The DRI had received specific intelligence inputs that an organised group, including a police constable, was manufacturing a banned psychotropic drug like Mephedrone. The substance is listed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. Following the intelligence input, DRI officers kept a close watch on the area and a comprehensive search operation was launched at the suspected location in the early hours of April 8.
DRI officials said on Thursday that during the search, 11.36 kg of Mephedrone was recovered, including 8.44 kg in dry form and 2.92 kg in liquid form. Besides, a large quantity of raw material and complete laboratory equipment used in manufacturing the drug were also seized.
Five persons, including a police constable, were arrested during the investigation. All these persons were found to be directly involved in the illegal manufacture of Mephedrone in the factory. Later, in a fast-tracked and organised manhunt, two more persons were arrested from Mumbai, identified as the financier and distributor.
According to DRI officials, all the seven arrested have confessed to their role in the manufacture, financing and smuggling of mephedrone. The recovered 11.36 kg of mephedrone, worth about Rs 17 crore, along with the raw materials and paraphernalia, have been seized under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
