**Uttarakhand Police Dismantles Major MDMA Drug Syndicate**
The Uttarakhand Police has made significant strides in combating drug trafficking as part of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s “Drugs-Free Devbhoomi” initiative. On Tuesday, a large inter-state and international MDMA drug syndicate was uncovered, leading to the arrest of key suspect Kunal Kohli in the Nanakmatta area. This operation was spearheaded by the Special Task Force (STF) and local police, under the direction of DGP Deepam Seth.
During the operation, authorities seized a substantial quantity of illegal substances, including 7.41 grams of processed MDMA, 28 kg of drug powder, and 126 liters of prohibited precursor chemicals such as Dichloromethane, Acetone, and Methylamine. The police estimate that approximately 6 kg of MDMA could be synthesized from these chemicals, with a potential market value of around Rs 12 crore internationally.
Investigations revealed that the drugs were being produced under the guise of poultry farms located in the Champawat and Pithoragarh districts. The syndicate operated by renting farms in Banbasa and Suwalekh, distributing drugs to major cities including Mumbai. Additional arrests included Monu Gupta, Bhim Yadav, Aman Kohli, and Isha, the spouse of an associate, from whom 5.6 kg of MDMA was confiscated. The network reportedly extended from Thane, Ghaziabad, and Varanasi to Nepal.
The investigation was initiated following a drug seizure in Thane on May 31, which led police to track down suspects hiding in Tanakpur. Previous inspections had raised red flags due to strong chemical odors emanating from a local farm. The gang allegedly procured chemicals illegally from companies in Ghaziabad, Varanasi, and Thane, which are now under scrutiny.
Notably, Kunal Kohli is already facing three NDPS cases filed by the Mumbai Police. Furthermore, connections to the Mumbai underworld have been uncovered, with farm owner Ramesh Jinwal suspected of ties to criminal networks. Authorities are currently examining the gang’s financial records, assets, and potential international connections.
DGP Seth announced that the state police are employing a multi-faceted approach to dismantle such networks, which includes seizing illegally acquired properties and prosecuting under the PIT-NDPS act. To date, 44 units utilizing restricted chemicals and 172 pharmaceutical units are under review.
**FAQ**
**What is the significance of the Uttarakhand Police’s operation against the MDMA syndicate?**
The operation highlights the state’s commitment to eradicating drug trafficking and ensuring public safety, as well as the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between various law enforcement agencies.