In a major breakthrough, Saki Naka Police uncovered a ₹390 crore mephedrone drug factory in Mysuru, Karnataka, and arrested four accused. The seized haul includes 18,797 kg of MD and industrial-grade chemicals. This Sprouts SIT investigation exposes a pan-India synthetic drug racket, signaling a growing narcotics menace in Maharashtra.
Saki Naka Police Bust ₹390 Cr Drug Factory Linked to Mysur
In a massive crackdown led by DCP Datta Nalawade, the Saki Naka Police Narcotics Squad has unearthed a large-scale mephedrone (MD) drug manufacturing unit operating from behind a garage in Mysuru, Karnataka. The multi-state operation has resulted in the seizure of narcotics and materials worth ₹381.96 crore and the arrest of four key accused, exposing a deeper, pan-India synthetic drug racket.
₹390 Cr Drug Haul Linked to Mysuru-Based MD Factory
The case originated from an April 24 incident, when Saki Naka Police apprehended a man attempting to sell narcotics in Mumbai. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed under the NDPS Act 1985 Sections 8(c), 22(c), 29, and IPC Section 11. Three accused were initially arrested, and a follow-up raid in Kaman village, Vasai, Palghar district led to the seizure of 4.53 kg of mephedrone and precursor chemicals, worth ₹8.04 crore.
Further investigation revealed that the primary accused, Salim Imtiyaz Shaikh alias Salim Langda, had sourced MD from Mysuru. Acting on this lead, police launched a coordinated operation in Karnataka and busted the illicit manufacturing unit, seizing nearly 18.8 tonnes of chemical materials and finished product.
Full Inventory of Seized Drugs and Equipment Shocks Officials
The raid on the Mysuru-based facility yielded:
•Mephedrone (MD): 18,797 kg worth ₹381.94 crore
•Isopropyl Alcohol: 168 kg worth ₹65,000
•Acetone: 168 kg worth ₹20,000
•Chloroform: 60 kg worth ₹12,000
•Magnesium Sulphate: 24,950 kg worth ₹1,200
•Plastic/Glass trays, mixing towels, heat ovens, air conditioners, lab gear
•Heating machines: 12 units worth ₹1.2 lakh
•Oven equipment: 2 units worth ₹45,000
The total value of materials and drugs seized stands at ₹381.96 crore, making this one of Mumbai’s biggest narcotics seizures in recent years.
Coordinated Crackdown Led by Top Mumbai Police Officials
This high-level operation was conducted under the strategic guidance of Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Joint Commissioner Satyanarayan Chaudhary, Additional Commissioner Paramjeet Singh Dahiya, and DCP (Zone 10) Datta Nalawade. Ground-level execution was led by Senior PI Pramod Tawde, with critical support from officers Sanjay Kshirsagar, Dyanand Vanave, Pankaj Pardeshi, Shashikant Patil, Chandrakant Pawar, Nitin Khairmod, and Anil Karade.
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has verified that the materials seized include both commercial-grade solvents and specialized lab equipment, indicating a sophisticated, well-funded operation likely backed by a broader cartel network.
With previous seizures in Palghar, and now this ₹390 crore bust, Mumbai’s law enforcement is increasingly uncovering industrial-scale synthetic drug manufacturing setups. Mephedrone, often sold under street names like “Meow Meow,” has been gaining popularity among young users, despite its highly addictive nature and severe neurological effects.
The Sprouts SIT has previously highlighted the rising urban demand for synthetic stimulants and the ease with which precursor chemicals are procured from industrial suppliers.
This latest action reaffirms that the Narcotics Control framework in Maharashtra, especially within the Mumbai Police, has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards organized drug syndicates.
Sprouts SIT: More Raids Expected as Trail Widens
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has learned from reliable police sources that more raids and arrests are imminent, as interrogation of the arrested suspects is revealing fresh links to suppliers, financiers, and possible export networks.
This case underscores the need for centralized monitoring of chemical distributors, stricter licensing audits, and inter-agency collaboration across states to stem the flow of designer drugs in India.
Unmesh Gujarathi is an Indian investigative journalist and media professional with over 28 years of experience in print and digital journalism. He is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, an independent investigative publication headquartered in Mumbai, established in 2020.
Throughout his career, he has held editorial positions at leading media organisations, including:
DNA (Daily News & Analysis)
The Times Group
The Free Press Journal
Saamana
Dabang Dunia
Lokmat
His reporting has focused on investigative journalism, governance accountability, public policy, corruption, crime reporting and the Right to Information (RTI) framework in India.
As Editor-in-Chief of Sprouts News, he oversees:
Investigative direction
Editorial standards and verification protocols
Legal compliance and ethical review
Newsroom operations and accountability processes
Education & Academic Background
Unmesh Gujarathi holds:
Master of Commerce (M.Com)
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Degree in Journalism
His academic background supports his reporting in areas related to governance, financial systems, public administration and regulatory matters.
Published Works & Contributions
In addition to newsroom leadership, he is the author of more than 12 books in Marathi and English. His published works cover topics including:
The RTI Act and transparency mechanisms
Political leadership, including writings on Balasaheb Thackeray
Career guidance
Investigative journalism practices
He has contributed to national dailies and digital media platforms, focusing on evidence-based reporting and public-interest journalism.