Two Arrested in Prayagraj as MBVV Drug Probe Uncovers ₹139 Crore Haul

The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) police have arrested two more persons from Prayagraj in connection with the seizure of mephedrone, precursor chemicals and laboratory equipment worth more than ₹139 crore, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 21, officials said on Wednesday.

The investigation was launched in June following the arrest of two persons in Nalasopara East with mephedrone valued at around ₹3.36 lakh. The arrests led police to uncover a wider drug network operating across Maharashtra, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh.

During the subsequent investigation, police seized 69.759 kg of mephedrone, along with chemicals, laboratory equipment and cash. The combined value of the seized contraband and materials has been estimated at more than ₹139 crore.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode said investigators systematically traced the supply chain through technical analysis and field-level investigation. The probe subsequently led to the detection of several locations allegedly linked to the manufacture, storage and distribution of the synthetic drug.

Police busted a mephedrone manufacturing unit operating on farmland in Gujarat’s Kutch region, while laboratory equipment was recovered from locations in Maharashtra. Further seizures were reported from Kurla in Mumbai and Jalgaon.

However, the largest recovery was made from an illegal factory in Prayagraj, where police seized substantial quantities of mephedrone, precursor chemicals and equipment allegedly used in its manufacture.

With the latest arrests, 21 accused persons have been taken into custody. Officials said those arrested include chemical suppliers, laboratory technicians, regional distributors and street-level drug peddlers, indicating the alleged network extended across multiple stages of the supply chain.

The investigation remains underway, with police focusing on possible international linkages, particularly those connected to financial transactions and the broader drug network. Authorities are examining the flow of funds and communications to identify additional suspects and establish the full extent of the operation.