Major drug racket busted by Maharashtra ATS

A major drug racket was busted and a consignment of banned narcotic substance Mephedrone seized by the Vikroli unit of Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad. Over 129 kgs of Mephedrone were seized which have the market value of Rs 51 crores and cash worth 1 crore was also seized.

Mumbai (Maharashtra): The Maharashtra ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) have arrested five accused in a case of drug peddling.

Cops seized 129 kgs of Mephedrone (MD) drug which has a market value of over Rs 51 crores and cash worth Rs 1 crore was also seized.

The Vikroli Unit of the Maharashtra ATS received information that two suspects were coming near Bhandup pumping station on Eastern Express Highway (towards Mumbai) to sell MD.

A trap was laid down and two accused were arrested who had 9 kgs of MD in their possession. A case under the NDPS Act, 1985 was registered against both the accused.

After a thorough investigation, three more accused were arrested who were involved in the production and distribution of MD in Mumbai and other areas of Maharashtra.

A total of 129 kgs of MD was then seized from the arrested accused. One kilogram of MD costs around Rs 40 lakhs in the international market.

ATS also seized Rs 1,40,4000 in cash from accused which they allegedly got by selling Mephedrone (MD).

The police said that prima facie evidence showed the accused used advanced technology and high-quality chemicals to produce MD in large quantities.

The search operation is still on in factories and surrounding areas which may give further leads for investigation.