Pune MD Drugs Bust Connection Reaches Delhi, Over 1100 kgs MD Drugs Worth Over Rs 2000 Crores Seized Till Now
Pune, 20th February 2024: The Pune City Police’s Crime Branch has initiated an investigation into a mephedrone smuggling ring within the city. Following the confiscation of 55 kg of MD from the Vishrantwadi area, an additional 600 kg of MD has been seized from the ‘Earthchem Laboratories’ factory at Kurkumbh. A Panchnama has been registered, and the estimated value of the seized MD has reached 1,440 crores.
Sources suggest that this figure may escalate further, potentially reaching up to two thousand crores. The company involved had set a production target of 1800 kg of MD Drugs. Investigative teams have been dispatched to Delhi and Mumbai in pursuit of the main facilitators named Sam and Brau, who are key players in this smuggling operation.
Sources indicate that the warrant and seizure operations at the ‘Earthchem Laboratories’ in Kurkumbh were successfully concluded on Tuesday evening, leading to the sealing of the company. The accumulated haul from this location surpasses 600 kg of MD. With the 55 kg seized on Monday and the additional 600 kg from this company, the total value, as per the Panchnama, is estimated at Rs 1,440 crore.
The crime branch has received credible information about two more locations, where raids are imminent. It is anticipated that these sites may also contain substantial stock, potentially valued in hundreds of crores. Additionally, a ‘chemical expert’ has been apprehended from Dombivali in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The unfolding case involves international drug traffickers, and there is a significant likelihood of the participation of top-level smugglers who oversee drug smuggling operations in India. Authorities have highlighted that the seized MD is of the utmost “super fine quality” ever encountered. Initial investigations suggest that this MD, produced in Kurkumbh, was being transported abroad through multiple routes, including Mumbai, Mira Bhayander, Delhi, West Bengal, and Nepal. The complexity of the smuggling network and the quality of the seized substance underscore the international dimension of the illicit operation.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar said, “In Pune, we have seized 700 kgs of MD drugs worth Rs 1400 crores. In Delhi, 400 kgs of MD drugs have been interpreted. Further investigation is going on.”
The investigation into this crime is being closely supervised by Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. Working under the guidance of Joint Commissioner of Police Praveen Pawar, the investigative efforts also involve Additional Commissioner (Crime) Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner of Crime Branch Amol Zende, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Sunil Tambe, along with Satish Govekar. All the teams within the Crime Branch are diligently conducting a comprehensive investigation under their leadership.
