Maharashtra brothers dropout of school, build drug factory with turnover exceeding Rs 100 crores
During a search, a team led by inspector Daya Nayak discovered three laboratories within the plant that had the capacity to produce 4 kg of mephedrone at one time. The factory was closed and the contraband was confiscated by the authorities. Many call it a real-life 'Breaking Bad'
Mephedrone worth over Rs 100 crores has been found in the Solapur district during a police raid on a production facility, making it one of Maharashtra’s largest drug recoveries.
Rahul Kisan Gawali and his brother Atul, who were detained in Mumbai’s western suburb of Khar with 5.09 kg of mephedrone valued at Rs 10.17 crore, are accused of operating the Chincholi MIDC plant.
The Narcotic Drugs and psychoactive Substances Act (NDPS Act) forbids the use of mephedrone, popularly known as “meow meow” or “MD,” a synthetic stimulant and psychoactive chemical. An official added that during the inquiry, the police discovered that the due had established three laboratories at Chincholi MIDC in the Solapur district.
According to him, the unprocessed substance is worth more than Rs 100 crore, while the police confiscated high-quality mephedrone worth Rs 16 crore. He further claimed that a journal with the manufacturing recipes for the contraband was also found on the property.
The Gawali brothers spent some time working in a chemical plant after failing their respective Class 10 exams. Later, they hired a place for laboratories to be set up on a 21,000 square foot area, and they have been running the unit for the last seven months.
The official said that a month prior, the accused had traveled to Mumbai to sell mephedrone to local drug dealers. The search for their assistants is currently under process, he claimed.
In 2016, the Thane municipal police raided another plant in the region and seized narcotics worth Rs 2,000 crore. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) agents raided two sites in Pune in September and confiscated 200 kilograms of mephedrone.
During a search, a team led by inspector Daya Nayak discovered three laboratories within the plant that had the capacity to produce 4 kg of mephedrone at one time. The factory was closed and the contraband was confiscated by the authorities.
They opted to hire a factory in MIDC so that the scent would not cause concern given that it was a factory area, according to Nayak. Over the previous seven months, they had captured these factories. They personally transported the illegal goods to Mumbai. At the Khar police station, the cops filed a FIR and detained the two suspects.
Mephedrone worth billions of rupees has been found in several Maharashtra locations during the past year. In August 2022, municipal police raided a drug production facility at Nalasopara in the Palghar district and found more than 700 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 1,400 crore. This was one of Mumbai’s largest drug busts.
Mephedrone, commonly known as “Meow Meow” or “MCAT,” is a synthetic stimulant belonging to the cathinone class. It is chemically similar to amphetamines and ecstasy. Mephedrone’s addictive effects stem from its ability to increase the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin in the brain, leading to intense euphoria, increased energy, and heightened sociability. Prolonged use can result in tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Its stimulating properties often lead to compulsive redosing, contributing to a cycle of abuse. Withdrawal symptoms include depression, anxiety, and fatigue, making it challenging for users to quit without professional help and support.
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