Illegal drug manufacturers exploiting abandoned properties in western Maha

Senior cop said such operations are difficult to run in cities due to higher awareness and strict regulations

- Shrinivas Deshpande [e-mail]

PUNE: Investigations into the seizure of mephedrone (MD) worth ₹29.73 crore by the Sangli police have revealed a disturbing trend - illegal drug manufacturers are increasingly targeting vacant properties in Sangli, Solapur and the adjoining areas to set up clandestine drug manufacturing units.

On January 27, the Sangli crime branch arrested three individuals for running an illegal MD manufacturing unit in the Karve Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area. The accused were found exploiting abandoned MIDC units, particularly in the rural areas of western Maharashtra including Pune, Sangli and Solapur for their illegal operations.

Sangli superintendent of police Sandeep Ghuge said that drug manufacturers prefer remote locations with little or no scrutiny. "Such operations are difficult to run in cities due to higher awareness and strict regulations. In contrast, rural areas offer easier access to abandoned properties with minimal documentation," Ghuge said.

Senior inspector Satish Shinde of Sangli crime branch pointed out that the region's strong connectivity to major metropolitan areas makes it attractive for illicit drug manufacture. "Western Maharashtra is well-connected to Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Bengaluru via national highways, making the transportation of raw materials and finished products easier. These factors create demand for abandoned factories, which can be rented at much lower rates compared to urban centres," Shinde said.