In what is being considered as the biggest drug bust in Mumbai’s history, the Anti-Terrorism Squad of Mumbai seized 129 kilograms of Mephedrone worth Rs. 51 crores, and arrested 5 people linked in the buy-bust operation.

The ATS (Anti-Terrorism Squad) made the seizure in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday after receiving an Intel about 2 people who were going to arrive at a bus-stand in suburban Bhandup to sell the drugs.

DCP of ATS Vikram Dehsmane said, “A search of the duo yielded 9 kg of mephedrone. Their interrogation led us to three more people from whom we seized 120 kg of the drug. The total value of the drug is Rs 51.6 crore. We also seized Rs 1.04 crore cash from them.”

He added, “Preliminary probe has revealed that the accused used advanced technology and high-quality chemicals to produce mephedrone in large quantities. Searches are continuing at the factories where it is suspected that the drugs were being manufactured. We are checking on their client base, which may include college students and affluent class.”

The 5 men were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

The police identified the 5 men as Abdul Shaikh, 47, Irfan Shaikh, 43, Suleiman Shaikh, 28, Naresh Maskar, 44 and Jitendra Parmar, 45.

The ATS also seized Rs. 1,40,4000 in cash from the accused men.

The police have launched an investigation and are currently trying to figure out the biggest drug network in Mumbai.

Also known as 4-methyl methcathinone or 4-methyl ephedrine, Mephedrone is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes. Often called as drone, white magic, meow meow, bath salts, and M-CAT, this drug is famous amongst teenagers.