Maharashtra Police Bust Major Mephedrone Lab in Uttar Pradesh; ₹22.79 Crore Seized

The Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Crime Detection Cell has dismantled a large-scale Mephedrone (MD) manufacturing laboratory in Hardoi district, Uttar Pradesh, in a major operation against inter-state drug syndicates. The operation began on April 4, 2026, after police intercepted a woman in Mira Road with 1 kg and 234 grams of high-quality MD valued at approximately ₹2.47 crore.

Following the initial arrest, investigators tracked 18 additional suspects across Mumbai and Telangana, seizing MD drugs, chemicals, and machinery worth ₹20.32 crore. The breakthrough came with the arrest of Tasleem Arif Chhotu alias Razzaq on June 16, 2026, in Hardoi district, whose interrogation led police to the production facility.

In total, 20 accused individuals have been arrested, and the combined value of seized contraband and manufacturing chemicals has reached ₹22.79 crore. Cases have been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.