Mumbai Drug Crackdown Reveals Large-Scale MD Manufacturing Operation

Mumbai police have busted an alleged synthetic drug manufacturing network and seized chemicals and laboratory equipment capable of producing mephedrone (MD) worth nearly Rs 100 crore in the illegal market, officials said on Tuesday.

The crackdown, led by the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar crime unit, resulted in the seizure of raw materials, medicinal chemicals and specialised lab equipment from multiple locations in Malwani and Gorai areas of Mumbai. Police said the seized items themselves were valued at around Rs 4 lakh, but the potential street value of the finished narcotic product could have touched Rs 100 crore.

Mephedrone, commonly known as MD, is a banned synthetic stimulant drug often linked to party and nightlife circuits. It is known for producing temporary euphoric and stimulant effects but can also cause severe health complications and addiction.

Officials said the investigation began on April 4 after police recovered 1.32 kg of MD worth Rs 2.66 crore during a raid in the Nayanagar area of Mira Road in Thane district. The arrest of a woman, identified as Firdos Arbaz Qureshi, and subsequent questioning of her husband Arbaz Vakil Qureshi allegedly exposed a wider drug distribution and manufacturing network.

Police later carried out follow-up raids and seized 255 litres of medicinal chemicals along with substances such as sodium hydroxide pellets, hydrochloric acid, acetone, dichloromethane, melamine and chloroform. Laboratory equipment including heating mantles, flasks, recovery flasks and additional pots was also recovered.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode said the investigation went beyond arresting street-level peddlers and focused on dismantling the source of production.

“So far, the police have seized 6.773 kg of MD valued at Rs 13.61 crore ,” an official said, adding that the total haul, including chemicals and equipment, is valued at Rs 13.65 crore.

A total of 13 persons, including two women, have been arrested in connection with the case. All accused have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Police said the Rs 100 crore estimate was based on the quantity of MD that could allegedly have been produced using the seized chemicals and the prevailing black-market value of the synthetic drug.