Approximately 1,100kg of mephedrone worth ₹2,200 crore was seized in multiple raids conducted at a chemical manufacturing factory in Kurkumbh (Daund taluka), two godowns in Vishrantwadi, and Delhi, officials informed on Tuesday.
The seizure follows an operation on Monday in which three individuals were arrested, and 50kg of mephedrone worth ₹3.5 crore was seized from them in Vishrantwadi. The arrested individuals were identified as Vaibhav alias Pintya Bharat Mane (30), Ajay Amarnath Karosiya (35), and Haider Sheikh (40).
Subsequently, the crime branch team received information from them regarding large quantities of drugs being manufactured in a chemical factory in Kurkumbh. In the raids conducted at this plant, over 650kg of mephedrone was seized.
Providing information on the matter, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, "This action has been taken against Earth Fame Laboratories Company in Kurkumbh Industrial Area. A person whose surname is Sable was running this company. Information about this was received from the accused who were arrested on Monday. Accordingly, the crime branch team took action against this factory this morning. When the factory was raided, as much as 550kg of drugs were found."
"These drugs were intended to be shipped across the country for sale. However, this racket has been busted even before that. There is a possibility that an international gang is involved in this case. It is also suspected that individuals from outside the country are running this racket. In that regard, we are investigating," he added.
When asked if this is connected to the Lalit Patil case, the Commissioner said, "The ongoing investigation has not revealed any connection with the Lalit Patil case. Also, the involvement of any political leader has not been seen in this case."
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Commissioner wrote, "Unprecedented action by Pune Police. In the biggest haul yet, approximately 700kg of drugs worth ₹1,400 crore seized. Like we said, #DrugFreePune is our top priority and we will do what it takes to ensure an end to the manufacture, possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs in #Pune."
In addition to this, the Pune Crime Branch also conducted a raid in Delhi and seized 400kg of mephedrone.
