In a major crackdown on synthetic narcotics in Maharashtra, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has unearthed a clandestine mephedrone (MD) manufacturing unit operating under the cover of a poultry business in Satara district&rsquo;s Karad taluka.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers launched &ldquo;Operation Sahyadri Checkmate&rdquo; and conducted a coordinated raid at a remote property that outwardly appeared to function as a poultry farm. Officials said the secluded location was deliberately chosen to avoid suspicion and law enforcement scrutiny. Inside, investigators discovered a fully functional illegal laboratory equipped for the production of synthetic drugs.
The agency seized 21.9 kilograms of mephedrone in liquid, semi-liquid and crystalline forms. In addition, more than 70 kilograms of chemical precursors and raw materials were recovered, capable of being used to manufacture further quantities of the banned substance. The total value of the seizure is estimated at Rs 55 crore in the illicit market.
Five individuals have been arrested, including the chemist who allegedly manufactured the drug, the financer, the owner of the premises used as a front, and others involved in transport and logistics. DRI officials noted that several of the accused have previous cases under the NDPS Act, indicating possible links to organised drug syndicates.
Investigators revealed that the unit was mobile in nature and frequently shifted locations to evade detection. Intelligence inputs suggest the contraband was supplied to multiple urban centres across Maharashtra, with potential interstate connections.
Officials described the operation as a significant blow to the synthetic drug supply chain and confirmed that further investigations are underway, with more arrests likely as backward and forward linkages are traced.

Operation Sahyadri Checkmate exposes poultry-front mephedrone network; five held

DRI busts Rs 55 crore drug lab in Satara ops

Operation Sahyadri Checkmate exposes poultry-front mephedrone network; five held

January 26, 2026 | 09:57 IST