Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 9: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has uncovered and dismantled a secret Mephedrone manufacturing unit in Wardha, Maharashtra, during a carefully planned operation codenamed “Operation Hinterland Brew,” officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Executed on December 7-8, the operation led to the seizure of 128 kg of Mephedrone, valued at around Rs 192 crore, along with 245 kg of precursor chemicals, raw materials, and a fully equipped processing setup. Acting on precise intelligence, DRI officers conducted covert surveillance before raiding the remote facility in Karanja (Ghadge), approximately 60 km from Wardha.
The investigation revealed a fully functional synthetic drug processing unit, including makeshift reactors, vessels, and other equipment, cleverly concealed within dense shrubland to evade detection. Three individuals operating the facility, including the mastermind who also served as financier and chemist, were arrested under the provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
“The illicit factory was deliberately disguised to blend into the rural landscape, with a modular, nondescript structure to avoid detection,” the DRI noted. This marks the fifth clandestine drug manufacturing facility dismantled by the DRI this year through intelligence-led operations.
The operation aligns with the Government of India’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, highlighting the DRI’s sustained vigilance and operational efficiency in curbing narcotics and psychotropic substances.
In a related enforcement action last month, the DRI busted a major gold smuggling and melting syndicate in Mumbai under “Operation Bullion Blaze.” Authorities seized a total of 11.88 kg of 24-carat gold worth Rs 15.05 crore and 8.72 kg of silver valued at Rs 13.17 lakh from multiple locations linked to the syndicate.
These successive operations underscore DRI’s proactive approach in targeting organised crime networks, spanning synthetic drugs and precious metals, to safeguard public and economic interests.