Indore, February 11 A local industrialist, who suffered significant financial losses, and his associate have been arrested for allegedly operating a mephedrone manufacturing factory in Ashok Nagar district of Madhya Pradesh, an official said on Wednesday.
Police have recovered approximately 3.8 kg of mephedrone in solid and liquid forms, along with a large quantity of raw materials used to produce the contraband, he said.
Mephedrone, often referred to as 'meow meow', is a potent synthetic stimulant and has gained popularity among young people.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Mahesh Chand Jain told reporters that, acting on a tip-off, a raid was conducted at a house in Kadrana village on the night of Tuesday and Wednesday, leading to the discovery of a mephedrone factory.
The DIG said that local industrialist Priyanshu Jain (31), who was facing legal trouble due to significant business losses, was operating the drug unit at the house of his partner Raghvendra Singh Parmar (38).
He said that both accused were arrested and police seized 1.28 kg of solid mephedrone, 2.58 kg of mephedrone in liquid form, and nearly 45 kg of raw material used to make the drug from their possession.
A .32-bore pistol and 15 live cartridges were also recovered from Priyanshu, a resident of Chanderi, the official said.
The DIG said that the accused had learned to make mephedrone online and frequently visited Indore to procure certain chemicals needed for its production, information about which was received by the police through an informant.
He said that a detailed investigation is underway.