The Aryavarth Express
Wardha (Maharashtra): The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has busted a clandestine Mephedrone manufacturing unit in Wardha during a targeted crackdown codenamed “Operation Hinterland Brew.” The operation, carried out on December 7 and 8, led to the seizure of 128 kg of Mephedrone valued at ₹192 crore, along with 245 kg of precursor chemicals, raw materials, and an entire drug-processing setup.
Acting on specific intelligence inputs, DRI teams conducted covert surveillance before raiding a remote, shrub-covered area in Karanja (Ghadge), around 60 km from Wardha. Officers discovered a fully operational synthetic drug facility equipped with makeshift reactors, vessels, and other manufacturing equipment. The factory had been deliberately set up in an isolated rural landscape to avoid detection and was built using temporary, modular structures.
According to officials, three individuals, including the alleged mastermind—who also acted as the financier and chemist—and his two associates, were arrested. All three were actively involved in the production and distribution network of Mephedrone and have been booked under the NDPS Act, 1985.
With this bust, the DRI has dismantled five illegal drug manufacturing units in 2025, highlighting its increasing intelligence-led operations.
“These sustained actions reflect DRI’s commitment to the Government’s Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, aimed at protecting citizens from narcotic and psychotropic substances,” the agency said in a statement.
Separate NDPS Seizure in Madhya Pradesh
In a parallel development, Rampur Baghelan Police in Madhya Pradesh seized over 46 kg of marijuana worth more than ₹9 lakh after discovering four large sacks of the contraband hidden under paddy bags in a tin shed outside the residence of Pankaj Singh Baghel.
ASP Prem Lal Kurve said the sacks contained 12 packets each, weighing a total of 46.134 kg, following which a case under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act was registered.
Investigations revealed that the marijuana was sourced from Anil Bagri and Suhelendra Singh Rajawat, who have also been booked under Sections 8, 20, and 29 of the NDPS Act. Further investigation is underway.
