Maharashtra ANTF Busted Mephedrone Racket, Dismantles 3 Factories in Bengaluru

The Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has conducted a significant operation to dismantle an interstate drug manufacturing and distribution network, resulting in the destruction of three mephedrone factories in Bengaluru. The operation, which is part of a state-wide crackdown against narcotics, began with the arrest of a man on the Pune-Mumbai Highway last week.

The Konkan unit of the ANTF seized mephedrone worth Rs 1.48 crore from Abdul Kader Rashid Sheikh on the Pune-Mumbai highway at Vashi village in Navi Mumbai on December 21. Following this arrest, a case was registered, and the investigation led the ANTF team to Prashant Yallapa Patil, a resident of Belgaum, who was involved in drug manufacturing. Further investigation revealed that three factories were operating in Bengaluru.

Acting on this information, ANTF teams earlier this week arrested Suraj Ramesh Yadav and Malkhan Ramlal Bishnoi, both residents of Rajasthan, who were running the illegal operation in the Karnataka capital. The accused led investigators to the manufacturing units located in NG Golahalli, Yerappanahalli, and Kannur. Raids conducted at these locations resulted in the seizure of 21.4 kg of mephedrone, both in solid and liquid forms. Additionally, machinery and chemicals used for production were confiscated, and all three factories were destroyed.

Preliminary findings suggest that the mephedrone produced at these units was supplied to multiple states, and the proceeds were used to purchase real estate in Bengaluru. To date, four persons have been arrested in connection with the case, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend two key suspects. This operation underscores the commitment of the ANTF to combat drug trafficking and protect public health and safety.

The Maharashtra ANTF's success in this operation is a significant blow to the drug trade, demonstrating the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts. The destruction of the factories and the seizure of substantial amounts of mephedrone and equipment will likely disrupt the supply chain and reduce the availability of these dangerous drugs in multiple regions. The ANTF's efforts also highlight the importance of cross-state collaboration in addressing the complex challenges posed by interstate drug trafficking networks.