Massive Drug Bust in Aurangabad: Seizure Worth ₹500 Crore and Kingpin Arrested

Massive Drug Bust in Aurangabad: Seizure Worth ₹500 Crore and Kingpin Arrested

Asif Iqbal | October 23, 2023 | 10:13 AM IST | Crime | Follow on Google News

Massive Drug Bust in Aurangabad: Seizure Worth ₹500 Crore and Kingpin Arrested.image/HT

In a groundbreaking operation, the Ahmedabad crime branch, in collaboration with the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has made a significant breakthrough, seizing narcotics and raw materials used for their production with an estimated value of more than ₹500 crore. This operation took place during a series of raids at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. Two individuals, including the alleged kingpin from Surat, have been apprehended under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.

Intelligence-Led Raids and the Capture of a Mastermind

The catalyst for this operation was specific intelligence developed by the DRI Ahmedabad Zonal Unit and the Crime Branch of Ahmedabad Police. Their joint efforts led to search operations at various locations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Chaitanya Mandlik, DCP Crime Branch, Gujarat Police, emphasized, “We had input that a person from Surat, now residing in Aurangabad, was running a narcotics racket. He is a chemical engineer and worked as an employee in a pharma company earlier.” The Crime Branch department of Aurangabad Police also played a vital role in assisting this operation.

Narcotics Manufacturing Factory Unveiled

During the operation, officials discovered a narcotics manufacturing facility named ‘Mahalakshmi Industries’ in Paithan MIDC. This factory was actively involved in the production of Mephedrone and Ketamine. Substantial quantities of illicit substances were seized from the site, including 4.5kg of Mephedrone, 4.3kg of Ketamine, and a mixture of Mephedrone weighing about 9.3kg. The total market value of these narcotics drugs and psychotropic substances is estimated to be over ₹250 crore. Additionally, three factories were raided, and raw materials with the potential to manufacture an equivalent or even larger quantity of drugs were uncovered. Mandlik explained, “The overall value of drugs, along with the raw materials, would be in excess of ₹500 crore.

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Rising Synthetic Drug Use and the Misuse of Industrial Units

This operation highlights the alarming trend of increasing use of synthetic drugs and the misuse of industrial units for the manufacturing of these substances, according to a DRI official. It underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement agencies in addressing this issue.

Distribution of Banned Substances and International Links

The search of one of the accused’s residential premises resulted in the recovery of about 23kg of cocaine, approximately 2.9kg of Mephedrone, and Indian currency amounting to about ₹30 lakh. The seized banned substances were being distributed to various states, and a portion was intended for international markets. This operation not only disrupted a major domestic narcotics network but also unveiled potential international connections in the illegal drug trade.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.