Based on specific intelligence developed by DRI Ahmedabad Zonal Unit and Crime Branch, Ahmedabad Police, Gujarat, search operations were conducted by DRI at various locations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) District of Maharashtra on Friday, 20.10.2023 under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Later on the Crime Branch of Aurangabad Police also assisted in the operation.

Search of the residential premises of one of the accused resulted in the recovery of about 23 Kg of cocaine, about 2.9 Kg of Mephedrone and Indian Currency of about Rs.30 Lakhs.

A factory set up situated in Paithan MIDC by the name Mahalakshmi Industries, involved in the production of Mephedrone and Ketamine was detected. Total of 4.5 Kg of Mephedrone, 4.3 Kg of Ketamine and another mixture of Mephedrone weighing about 9.3 Kg was recovered from this site.

Illicit market value of these narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances has been reported to be more than Rs 250 Crores. All the recovered substances have been seized under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Two persons, including the key conspirator, have been arrested under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985. Further investigation in the case in under progress.

The operation by DRI puts the spotlight on increasing use of synthetic drugs and misuse of industrial units in manufacturing of these drugs. The operation also highlights the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling the menace of Narcotics in the country.

CB/GP/JD

 

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