`Drug-Free Govandi Campaign`: Mephedrone worth Rs 24 crore seized in raid

In a major breakthrough under the ‘Drug-Free Govandi Campaign’, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Zone 6 (eastern suburbs), Mumbai Police, has uncovered a large-scale mephedrone (MD) manufacturing and distribution network operating out of Karjat in Raigad district.

In a raid conducted recently at a drug-manufacturing facility disguised as a goat-rearing farm in Kikvi village, the ANC arrested six accused and seized drugs and raw materials.

A total of 12.664 kg of MD, valued at Rs 24.47 crore, along with significant quantities of raw materials and production equipment, have been confiscated during the raid.

The campaign, launched in January, has seen intensive action against drug trafficking in the zone. As part of the ongoing operation, 75 cases have been registered till date, and narcotics worth Rs 42.74 crore have been seized.

The latest crackdown began on March 19, when a routine patrol by the special narcotics team and the RCF Police Station in Chembur intercepted a drug peddler possessing 45 grams of MD. A case was filed under Sections 8(a) and 22 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

Further investigations led to the arrest of five more individuals from Mumbai and Navi Mumbai on May 15. The police seized 6.689 kg of MD, valued at approximately Rs 13.37 crore, from the five accused, who were actively involved in distributing the drug.

The breakthrough came when the team discovered the source of the drugs—a factory at the farmhouse, camouflaged as an animal husbandry business. One of the key gang members involved in the production was arrested, and raw materials along with electronic manufacturing equipment were seized.

This article first appeared on Mid Day