Gujarat ATS and NCB Raid Bhopal’s Largest Drug Factory: 50 Crores in Daily Production, 5,000 Kilos of Raw Material Seized, 2 Arrested
In a joint operation by the Gujarat ATS and NCB Delhi, a raid was conducted at a manufacturing unit operating under the guise of a factory in the Bageroda Industrial Estate of Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
Authorities seized materials and equipment related to 907 kilograms of MD drugs, valued at ₹1814 crores. Two suspects were arrested during the operation. The accused had been producing MD drugs by setting up a modern plant over the past six months, with a capacity to produce 25 kilograms of drugs daily.
The Gujarat ATS has been actively apprehending several suspects involved in drug trafficking for some time. Following this, they received additional information, which led to continuous surveillance by the ATS team over the past month and a half. Once the intelligence was confirmed, the ATS contacted the Delhi NCB to conduct a joint operation.
The raid was carried out at the Bageroda Industrial Estate in Bhopal, where a solid and liquid stash of 907 kilograms of MD drugs was discovered in a rented shed, with an international market value of ₹1814 crores. Additionally, the operation yielded five thousand kilograms of raw materials and equipment used for producing MD drugs, including grinders, motors, glassware, and heaters.
Arrests Made in MD Drug Operation: Previous Criminal History Revealed
Seven months ago, a shed was rented out for drug manufacturing. During the raid, two individuals were arrested: Amit Chaturvedi (57), a resident of Bhopal, and Sanyal Prakash Bane (40), from Nashik, Maharashtra.
Following their arrest, investigations revealed that Sanyal Prakash Bane had previously been caught in a case involving the seizure of one kilogram of MD drugs in 2017 in the Amboli police station area, serving five years in prison for the offense.
After his release from prison, Bane contacted a friend of Amit Chaturvedi to devise a plan for the production and sale of MD drugs. According to this plan, they rented a shed in the Bageroda Industrial Estate just seven months ago, where they began accumulating raw materials and equipment for MD drug production over the past three to four months. They also initiated the chemical processing and sales of the drugs.
Capacity to Produce 25 Kilos of MD Drugs Daily: Investigation Ongoing
The accused set up a shed in a space measuring 2500 square feet. The Gujarat ATS has revealed that this facility is the largest illegal drug manufacturing factory they have apprehended to date and is also considered the most modern. This factory has the capacity to produce 25 kilograms of MD drugs daily.
There are suspicions that the accused had already prepared a significant batch of drugs for sale, likely distributing them in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The ATS is conducting further investigations to determine how long the suspects had been producing drugs, as well as identifying the locations and individuals to whom the drugs were sold.
Agency Takes Firm Action Against Drug Trafficking
Harsh Sanghvi expressed on X that this operation demonstrates the agency’s strong commitment to combating drug trafficking. He emphasized that these collective efforts are crucial for the safety of society and public health. Sanghvi praised the agency’s commendable work and encouraged continued support for its mission to keep the nation safe and healthy.
Two Individuals Arrested in MD Drug Operation
According to preliminary reports, the estimated value of the seized MD drugs is approximately ₹1814 crores. In this operation, the ATS and NCB teams have arrested two suspects and confiscated all materials used for the production of MD drugs from the factory.
Further investigations are underway, and there are possibilities of several shocking revelations coming to light during the inquiry.
MD Drug Manufacturing Factory Busted in Surat Two Months Ago
Two months ago, the Gujarat ATS raided a factory in Karheli village of the Palsana taluka in Surat, which was involved in the production of mephedrone (MD) drugs. During the interrogation of three suspects arrested in this operation, it was revealed that the drug cartel also included Mohammad Yunus and Mohammad Adil, who reside in the Chinchbandar area of Mumbai.
Both suspects were allegedly producing and selling mephedrone from a flat in Maharashtra. Based on this information, the Gujarat ATS team conducted a raid on the flat and apprehended both individuals. The process of manufacturing mephedrone was underway at the time of the raid, leading to the seizure of 11 kilograms of semi-liquid mephedrone and 782 kilograms of liquid mephedrone stored in barrels.
Two Individuals Arrested in Chinchbandar, Mumbai
The Gujarat ATS team seized goods with an estimated international market value of around ₹1800 crores during the operation. Equipment used in the production of MD, including grinders, motors, glass flasks, and heaters, was confiscated for investigative purposes.
The Gujarat ATS arrested Mohammad Yunus, also known as Ejaz S. O. Mohammad Tahir Sheikh (41 years old, residing at Sukena Manzil, near Chinchbandar Post Office, Dongri, Mumbai), and Mohammad Adil S. O. Mohammad Tahir Sheikh (34 years old, also residing at Sukena Manzil, near Chinchbandar Post Office, Dongri, Mumbai).
What is Mephedrone (MD)?
Mephedrone, technically known as 4-methylmethcathinone, is a synthetic stimulant that is commonly referred to as “meow-meow” by many people, while others may call it “mio-mio.” This drug is banned not only in India but also in several countries around the world. Mephedrone is considered to be a highly dangerous substance.
It is believed that this drug was initially developed to kill pests on trees or plants; however, it has since been misused as a recreational drug. Due to its potent effects and potential for abuse, it poses significant health risks to users.
Effects of MD Drugs on Users
Mephedrone is primarily available in powder form, and users often perceive it as a means to enhance alertness and euphoria. However, it comes with numerous adverse effects, including depression, nausea, and insomnia. Prolonged use of mephedrone can lead to an increased risk of heart-related issues, along with symptoms like paranoia and aggression.
The drug significantly impacts mental health, leading to serious psychological consequences. Users may experience hallucinations, heightened anxiety, and emotional instability, which can affect their overall well-being and daily functioning. The potential for addiction is also a major concern, as users may find it difficult to stop using the drug despite its harmful effects.
