IN A major operation, Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) seized a huge cache of 907.09 kilograms of Mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 1,814 crore at a factory located in Bagroda industrial estate near Bhopal on Sunday. The joint operation had commenced on Saturday. Two persons identified as Sanyal Prakash Bane (40) and Amit Chaturvedi (57) have been arrested in the case. According to the information, NCB and ATS Gujarat received a tip-off about a private factory in Bhopal’s Bagroda Pathar industrial area in Katara Hills, where huge quantity of mephedrone (MD) was being manufactured. A raid was conducted on the factory and a massive haul of 907.09 kg of mephedrone, both in solid and liquid form was seized. Estimated value of the seized narcotics is believed to be around Rs 1,814.18 crore in the international market. The arrested men Sanyal Prakash Bane (40) from Nashik, Maharashtra, and Amit Chaturvedi (57) from Bhopal, were allegedly involved in illegal production and sale of mephedrone. Investigations revealed that the accused had been operating the factory for the past six months, producing around 25 kg of mephedrone daily.

 

The accused took the factory on rent six months ago and were using it to manufacture the narcotic substance. NCB and ATS Gujarat had been monitoring the factory for over a month before conducting the raid. The seized materials, including raw materials and equipment, have been sent for further investigation. Accused, Sanyal Prakash Bane, has a history of involvement in drug-related activities and was previously arrested in 2017 for possessing 1 kg of MD. He was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after serving his term. This massive seizure is a significant blow to illegal drug trade in the country. In a related development, Bhopal Police Commissioner Harinarayanchari Mishra had recently claimed that police were taking strict action against drug-related activities in the city. The Commissioner stated that police were working to curb drug menace and had launched a special operation, “Mission Ankush,” to target drug trafficking. Lauding efforts of the law enforcement agencies in combating drug-trafficking, Minister of State for Home, Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi in a post on X wrote, “Kudos to Gujarat ATS and NCB (Ops), Delhi, for a massive win in the fight against drugs!” He further said, “Recently, they had raided a factory in Bhopal and seized MD and materials used to manufacture MD, with a staggering total value of Rs 1814 crore! This achievement showcases the tireless efforts of our law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and abuse.

 

Their collaborative efforts are crucial in safeguarding the health and security of our society.” On Friday, police had seized MD worth Rs 3 crore in Ratlam. In Indore, a group of women took to streets and asked Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya expressing fear over rampant trade of intoxicants and involvement of their children in big numbers. There is 500 per cent rise in the quantity of seized narcotic substance by Bhopal police this year as compared to previous years in corresponding period. As per the Police Department, during the period of first six months of last year it had seized 40 kgs of drugs while this year it has increased to 252 kg in the corresponding period, remarkable hike of 500 % in Bhopal. In last three years, police have arrested more than 150 smugglers from around the State capital. “During the joint operation conducted by Gujarat ATS and NCB Delhi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh police provided commendable help. I heartily congratulate MP POlice for their invaluable contribution in the success of the operation.” Minister in state for home affairs of Gujarat wrote in a post on social media platform X. He further mentioned, “Madhya Pradesh police is also continuously helping Gujarat ATS in further investigation of this operation. Only through such coordinated efforts of various states and central agencies can the fight against narcotics won. Many thanks Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and his entire team.”