Mumbai: On July 30, the Sakinaka police raided a drug godown in Powai seizing 21.903kg of Mephedrone (MD) and chemicals worth Rs44 crore at Shop No. 9, Prathmesh Galaxy, Hiranandani.
The operation followed the dismantling of an interstate drug racket and a factory shutdown in Mysuru, Karnataka. In total, the police have seized 214 kg of MD, chemicals, and equipment valued at Rs434 crore, including an earlier haul of Rs390 crore.
Investigating Officer Dayanand Walave said: "In this case, we have already arrested accused. During further interrogation, one of them revealed that they were operating a godown in Powai. Subsequently, we raided the location. The godown was situated on the ground floor of a residential building. The ground floor of the building has several shops, and the upper floors have residential flats. The accused had told neighbouring shopkeepers building members that they were running a colour distribution business. Under that guise, they were storing drugs, chemicals, and equipment."
The case began on April 24, 2025, with the arrest of Sadiq Shaikh, 27, in Sakinaka, caught with 52 gram of MD. Further investigation led to seven more arrests, including four from Mumbai, Gujarat, and Mysuru, and another four from the Mysuru factory. On July 25, Salim Shaikh alias Slim Langda, 45, revealed the factory’s location, leading to a raid on July 26 at a facility near Belavatha, Mysuru. An additional 4.53kg of MD worth Rs8 crore was seized from Kaman village, Vasai.
Three of the eight arrested have prior involvement in similar cases, with one facing 16 charges under the NDPS Act and for assault. The police, under Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade, suspect more individuals are involved and anticipate further breakthroughs.
