Mumbai | June 14, 2025
In one of the biggest synthetic drug busts in recent history, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has dismantled a massive ₹256 crore mephedrone (MD) factory in Solapur. The racket, linked to international syndicates, was being remotely operated by a drug kingpin from the UAE — now back in Indian custody.
The operation began with the arrest of a woman in Kurla on February 15, 2024, found carrying 641 grams of mephedrone. But this was just the tip of the iceberg. Raids across Maharashtra, especially in Kavathemahankal taluka, Solapur, revealed a full-fledged MD manufacturing plant churning out 200 kg every 10 days.
Kingpin Taher Salim Dola, the alleged mastermind, had been directing the operations from Abu Dhabi. Acting on a Red Corner Notice issued in November 2024, the CBI secured his extradition, and Dola was brought back to Mumbai this week.
11 Arrests, Crores in Cash, and a Dark Family Legacy
So far, 11 people have been arrested across states, including three in Gujarat. ₹4 crore in cash has been seized. Notably, Dola’s father, Salim Dola, is a known offender with a history of drug trafficking — revealing a disturbing generational link in the narcotics trade.
Parallel Operation in Mumbai-Palghar Exposes Pharma-Backed Drug Network
In a separate but related crackdown, MIDC Police arrested three individuals in Mumbai and Palghar, uncovering another synthetic drug operation:
•Farhan Gulzar Khan (36) was caught with 71 grams of MD and ₹2.8 lakh cash in a red Skoda.
•Pratik Jadhav (24) from Palghar was found with 215 grams of MD and a Swift Dzire worth ₹4.6 lakh.
•Vijay Khatke (43), an M.Sc. Chemistry graduate and owner of Prochem Pharmaceutical Lab, was operating a lab in Boisar. He had 280 grams of MD and raw materials worth ₹11.2 lakh.
All three were produced before the Andheri Court and are in seven-day custody. The operation was spearheaded by Senior Inspector Rajiv Chavan and IO Mahesh Gurav, under DCP Datta Nalawade.
