In a major anti-narcotics operation, the Pune AIU seized 2.29 kg of hydroponic marijuana worth Rs 2.29 crore from a Bangkok passenger at the city airport, while the DRI dismantled a clandestine mephedrone factory in Wardha, seizing 128 kg of drugs worth Rs 192 crore and arresting three accused
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In a major breakthrough, the air intelligence unit (AIU) of the Pune Commissionerate on Monday seized over 2.29 kg of hydroponic marijuana valued at approximately Rs. 2.29 crore at Pune International Airport, news agency ANI reported. A passenger from Bangkok has been arrested in connection with the case.
According to officers, AIU personnel intercepted the passenger who had arrived on IndiGo flight 6E-1096 from Bangkok based on profiling and specific intelligence inputs.
Following this, a detailed examination of his checked-in baggage led to the recovery of 2,299.44 grams of hydroponic weed concealed in two airtight sealed packets, ANI reported.
An officer, while briefing about the incident, said, “The contraband was thereafter seized by the authorities under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. Moreover, the passenger was taken into custody, and further investigation is underway."
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) dismantled a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing facility in Wardha, Maharashtra, during a targeted operation.
The operations conducted on December 7 and 8 resulted in the seizure of 128 kg of mephedrone, valued at approximately Rs. 192 crore, along with 245 kilograms of precursor chemicals, raw materials, and a complete processing setup, ANI reported.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers conducted discreet surveillance, followed by a search operation in a remote, shrub-covered area of Karanja (Ghadge), nearly 60 km from Wardha.
During the operation, officers uncovered a fully functional synthetic drug processing setup, including makeshift reactors, vessels, and other equipment used for the illicit manufacture of mephedrone.
The seizure comprised both finished product and precursor chemicals essential for its synthesis.
“Three persons operating the facility, including the mastermind, who also acted as the financier and chemist, along with his two associates, were apprehended,” a statement issued by DRI further stated.
It also said, “All three were found to be actively involved in the manufacturing and distribution network of mephedrone and have been arrested under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985."
(With inputs from ANI)
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