DRI busts a factory involved in production of Narcotics at Maharashtra

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted search operations in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) District of Maharashtra on Friday, 20.10.2023 under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, based on specific intelligence developed by DRI Ahmedabad Zonal Unit and Crime Branch, Ahmedabad Police, Gujarat. Later, the Aurangabad Police Crime Branch assisted in the operation.

A search of one of the accused’s home yielded the discovery of approximately 23 kg of cocaine, approximately 2.9 kg of mephedrone, and approximately Rs.30 lakhs in Indian currency.

A factory called Mahalakshmi Industries, located in Paithan MIDC, was discovered to be producing mephedrone and ketamine. This site yielded 4.5 Kg of Mephedrone, 4.3 Kg of Ketamine, and another Mephedrone mixture weighing approximately 9.3 Kg.

The illegal market value of these narcotics and psychotropic substances is estimated to be more than Rs. 250 crores. All of the recovered substances were seized in accordance with the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act of 1985.

Two people, including the key conspirator, have been arrested in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act of 1985. The case is currently being investigated further.

The DRI operation focuses on the growing use of synthetic drugs and the mismanagement of industrial units involved in their production. The operation also emphasises the importance of interagency cooperation in combating the country’s narcotics problem.