Overview
- Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Pankaj Bhoyar said an investigation is underway to identify the origins of the operation and he has directed local police to act.
- The DRI raid took place on December 7 and 8 in Karanja (Ghadge), about 60 km from Wardha, following specific intelligence and discreet surveillance.
- Officers seized 128 kg of mephedrone valued at Rs 192 crore, along with 245 kg of precursor chemicals and a complete drug-processing setup with makeshift reactors and vessels.
- Three suspects, including an alleged mastermind who financed the operation and acted as chemist, were arrested and face charges under the NDPS Act.
- Investigators described the unit as a temporary modular facility concealed in dense shrubland, and the DRI noted it is the fifth clandestine drug factory dismantled this year.