Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], August 12 (ANI): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in a well-coordinated search operation uncovered a mephedrone factory in Nagpur's Paachpavli area.

According to an official statement from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, the operation was conducted on August 10.

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"Based on specific intelligence developed by DRI Mumbai Zonal Unit, that an under-construction building located in the Paachpavli area in Nagpur City was involved in clandestine manufacturing of Mephedrone, a well-coordinated search operation was conducted on August 10. A search revealed that a small laboratory, well equipped with all the chemicals, materials and machinery required for the production of Mephedrone, was set up at the location," as per a press release.

The mastermind had first procured and set up a complete set of machinery and also acquired raw materials which had the potential to manufacture more than 100kg of Mephedrone, as per DRI.

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"The syndicate had already prepared more than 50 kg of Mephedrone in liquid form and further processing of the same to bring out the product in crystallized / powder form was underway. The recovered 51.95 Kg of Mephedrone in liquid form valued approximately at Rs 78 crore along with raw materials and equipment was seized. Mephedrone is a psychotropic substance under the NDPS Act, 1985," the release stated.

The mastermind/financier of the syndicate along with his three accomplices who were involved in manufacturing have been apprehended and arrested under the provisions of NDPS Act, 1985. The arrested accused have been sent to DRI custody for further interrogation. During the operation, the DRI team also received assistance from the Nagpur police. Further investigation is under progress, as per DRI.

"The operation reinforces the capabilities of the DRI to undertake and successfully execute complex operations to bust drugs trafficking networks," as per the release. (ANI)

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