In a major anti-drug operation, Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) uncovered three mephedrone manufacturing units in Bengaluru, arresting four people, including Prashanth Yallappa Patil from Belagavi. The seized drugs, both solid and liquid forms, were valued at approximately Rs 55.88 crore.
This marks the second such bust in Karnataka by Maharashtra police. Earlier, a similar factory in Mysuru led to the seizure of 187.97 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 381.96 crore and the arrest of four individuals.
The Bengaluru operation followed the arrest of Abdul Khader in Mumbai, who revealed details of the suppliers. Acting on his information, ANTF raided three locations: a warehouse in Spandana Layout, an RJ event office in NG Gollahalli, and a house in Yerappanahalli. Along with the drugs, authorities seized chemicals, machinery, and other equipment used for production. The kingpin, reportedly from Rajasthan, remains at large.
The operation has raised concerns about Bengaluru City Police’s intelligence, as the factories had been functioning undetected for nearly a year despite the presence of the Central Crime Branch’s anti-narcotics wing.
Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara clarified that the actual value of the seized mephedrone was closer to Rs 1.2 crore, not Rs 55.88 crore as reported. He emphasized coordinated action by Mumbai and Bengaluru police, the NCB, and SOCO teams in arresting suspects, including those found in possession of mephedrone used for drug manufacture.
Parameshwara also dismissed claims that three active drug factories existed in Bengaluru and assured stringent action against any police officials failing to prevent such crimes in the future.
