MP: Massive Drug Bust In Capital Bhopal Unearths MD Worth Rs 1,800 Crore

Authorities have seized mephedrone (MD) drugs and their raw materials worth Rs 1,814 crore from a factory in Bhopal, according to Gujarat minister Harsh Sanghavi.

The operation was a joint effort by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) and the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

Photo Credit: PTI

Praising the agencies involved in the raid, Sanghavi wrote on X, "Kudos to Gujarat ATS and NCB (Ops), Delhi, for a massive win in the fight against drugs! Recently, they raided a factory in Bhopal and seized MD and materials used to manufacture MD, with a staggering total value of Rs 1,814 crore!"

"This achievement highlights the tireless work of our law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and abuse. Their collaborative efforts are essential in protecting the health and security of our society," he added.

Sanghavi applauded the commitment of the agencies, describing their dedication to tackling drug-related crime as "commendable" and urged the public to continue supporting these efforts.

Delhi drug bust

Just a few days prior, on Wednesday, police in Delhi uncovered another large drug haul in the Mahipalpur area of the city. Authorities claimed to have seized more than 560 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana from a warehouse, with an estimated market value of Rs 5,620 crore.

A senior police official disclosed that Tushar Goyal (40), identified as the mastermind behind the Delhi drug syndicate, had been arrested as part of the operation. Investigators found several photos on a social media account allegedly belonging to Goyal, where he was seen posing with Congress party leaders.

His Facebook account reportedly displayed a profile picture featuring a tiger and a bio stating that he was the "chairman of Delhi Pradesh RTI Cell of DYPC, Indian Youth Congress."

However, the Indian Youth Congress issued a statement clarifying that Goyal had been expelled from the organisation on 17 October 2022 for "anti-party activities."

In addition to Goyal, police arrested three other individuals: Himanshu Kumar (27) and Aurangzeb Siddiqui (23), both from Delhi, and Bharat Kumar Jain (48) from Mumbai.

The 602-kilogram consignment was stored in sacks at the Mahipalpur warehouse, and authorities suspect the group planned to distribute the drugs at concerts, rave parties, and affluent areas in major cities across India.

The police believe that about a dozen individuals, both Indian and foreign, are involved in the international drug smuggling operation, with possible links to the Middle East.

A look-out circular (LOC) has also been issued against an Indian-origin Dubai-based businessman, Virender Basoya, who is suspected of being connected to the drug cartel.