Barmer police have cracked a major multi-state drug syndicate by arresting two key owners of Rohan Chemicals Private Limited from Maharashtra involved in illegal MD drug manufacturing. The raid on a factory in Sedwa, Barmer district, led to the seizure of narcotics and chemicals worth Rs 88 crore.
The operation, inspired by a narcotics-themed web series and the book “Pickle,” uncovered a highly sophisticated drug network spanning Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
On July 22, police identified Machhindra Tukaram Bhosale and Sushant Santosh Patil, both residents of Raigad district, Maharashtra, as principal figures. They were apprehended and brought to Barmer on a production warrant, and are currently in custody until August 19 for further interrogation.
Investigations also revealed Birju Jayendra Shukla, a computer science graduate, as the mastermind behind the operation. Shukla, influenced by media portrayals, had documented MD drug manufacturing methods and orchestrated the establishment of illegal factories. After serving a jail term for fraud until January 2025, he recruited Bhosale, Patil, and others to manufacture and distribute narcotics.
A joint operation with the Narcotics Control Bureau of Gujarat, Maharashtra police, and Pratapgarh police on July 23 resulted in a raid at Rohan Chemicals in Raigad, where 12.9 kg of liquid ketamine and 37.7 kg of powder ketamine valued at Rs 88 crore were seized. Four suspects, including Bhosale and Patil, were arrested.
Further investigations traced chemicals from Rohan Chemicals to Pratapgarh, where another MD drug factory was set up with assistance from Siddik Mev. The accused admitted to memorizing drug production techniques from the web series and book, even compiling a manual for manufacturing.
Police continue to pursue other suspects, including Shiva alias Shiba and Kamlesh. So far, four arrests have been made with a total of 12 names linked to the case. Jaisalmer SP Narendra Singh Meena commended the police teams and indicated ongoing investigations with more arrests expected.
This case highlights the growing influence of media on criminal methodologies and exposes the increasing sophistication of drug operations across India.
