Gujarat ATS Busts Mephedrone Manufacturing Unit in Surat

The Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dismantled a mephedrone manufacturing operation on the outskirts of Surat city, seizing drugs and raw materials valued at Rs 51.4 crore, an official reported on Thursday.

Three individuals—Sunil Yadav, Vijay Gajera, and Haresh Korat—were detained in connection with the illicit activities, according to an ATS press release.

Investigations revealed that the trio had leased an industrial shed in Kareli village, Palsana taluka, for Rs 20,000 per month to produce mephedrone, also known as MD drugs, using various chemicals. The ATS received a tip-off about the illegal operation involving Yadav, Gajera, and Korat and their distribution to Mumbai resident Salim Saiyad. Following this information, ATS personnel raided the site in Darshan Industrial Area on Wednesday night. Yadav and Gajera were apprehended at the scene, while Korat was captured later from Junagadh early Thursday.

During the raid, 4 kilograms of mephedrone and 31.4 kg of raw materials worth Rs 51.4 crore were confiscated, and the facility was sealed. Preliminary inquiries suggest that Yadav, involved in chemical trading, had learned mephedrone manufacturing techniques online. The three had already delivered 4 kg of the drug to Saiyad. Further investigations are underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)