Pune police make their largest seizure yet, confiscating 1,700 kg of mephedrone valued at Rs 3,000 crore.

Pune drug haul: Mephedrone, which has various street names such as Meow Meow, White Magic, M-Cat and Drone, is a synthetically manufactured central nervous system stimulant of the amphetamine and cathinone category.

Pune City police have made a significant drug bust, seizing approximately 1,700 kg of mephedrone valued at around Rs 3,000 crore. The raids targeted a chemical manufacturing facility posing as a pharmaceutical unit in Daund, along with godowns in Pune and shops in New Delhi. The operation uncovered a sophisticated production setup for the synthetic stimulant, with the main suspect being the operator of the Daund factory. Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar revealed that the investigation suggests a widespread network involved in mephedrone production and trafficking, potentially extending internationally. This bust is touted as the largest in Pune's history and one of India's biggest in a single operation. The arrests now total five, with more suspects under interrogation.

The crackdown follows the arrest of three individuals on Monday, including a salt trader, and the seizure of 1.75 kg of mephedrone. Subsequent raids on godowns in Vishrantwadi yielded over 50 kg of the drug, leading authorities to the Kurkumbh chemical factory where over 650 kg of mephedrone was confiscated along with raw materials. Investigations also revealed links to New Delhi, where around 400 kg of the drug was found hidden in shops in South Extension.

This operation follows previous discoveries of mephedrone manufacturing cartels, notably one led by Lalit Patil. Mephedrone, known by street names such as Meow Meow, White Magic, M-Cat, and Drone, is a synthetic CNS stimulant categorized under amphetamines and cathinones. Initially not classified as contraband, it was included in the NDPS Act in 2015 due to increasing seizures and usage. Over the years, its street price has risen significantly, indicating growing demand.