DRI has so far arrested three people running this illegal unit under the operation, including the mastermind.
In a major breakthrough under “Operation Hinterland Brew,” the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing factory in Wardha, Maharashtra. During this operation, the DRI seized 128 kg of mephedrone, 245 kg of precursor chemicals, raw materials, and a complete processing setup worth approximately ₹192 crore.
According to the Ministry of Finance, “Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officials conducted a covert surveillance and search operation in a remote, bush-covered area of Karanja (Ghadge), about 60 km from Wardha. During the operation, officials discovered a fully operational synthetic drug processing setup, including improvised reactors, vessels, and other equipment used to illegally manufacture mephedrone. The seizure also included the finished product and precursor chemicals required for its synthesis.”
This illegal factory was being operated by locals in a rural area as part of a conspiracy to remain undetected and undetected. This illegal operation was being carried out in a makeshift manufacturing facility hidden in the bushes.
The DRI has so far arrested three individuals involved in the operation, including the mastermind. According to DRI officials, he worked as a financier and chemist, and two of his associates were also involved in the conspiracy. All three were found to be actively involved in the mephedrone manufacturing and distribution network and have been arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.