The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered a mephedrone factory in Nagpur’s Paachpavli area during a well-coordinated search operation. According to an official statement from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the operation was conducted on August 10.
“Based on specific intelligence developed by the DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit, it was determined that an under-construction building located in the Paachpavli area of Nagpur City was involved in the clandestine manufacturing of mephedrone. A well-coordinated search operation was carried out on August 10. The search revealed a small laboratory equipped with all the chemicals, materials, and machinery required for the production of mephedrone,” the press release stated.
The mastermind behind the operation had first procured and set up a complete set of machinery and acquired raw materials capable of manufacturing more than 100 kg of mephedrone, according to the DRI.
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“The syndicate had already produced more than 50 kg of mephedrone in liquid form, with further processing underway to convert it into crystallized or powder form. The recovered 51.95 kg of mephedrone in liquid form, valued approximately at Rs 78 crore, along with raw materials and equipment, was seized. Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985,” the release noted.
The mastermind and three accomplices involved in the manufacturing process have been apprehended and arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985. The arrested individuals have been sent to DRI custody for further interrogation. The operation also received assistance from the Nagpur police. Further investigation is ongoing, as per the DRI.
“The operation reinforces the capabilities of the DRI to undertake and successfully execute complex operations to dismantle drug trafficking networks,” the release concluded.
(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)
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