DRI shuts down first mephedrone lab in Nagpur, parallels drawn with ‘Breaking Bad’ narcotics empire

Nagpur, August 11, 2024 – Nagpur News

Nagpur: In an operation reminiscent of the infamous TV series Breaking Bad, a 35-member team of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) unearthed Nagpur’s first mephedrone (MD) drug manufacturing unit in Pachpaoli after an 18-hour raid on Saturday. The unit, which was operating in secret, was busted without even informing the local Pachpaoli police.

Much like the fictional methamphetamine empire built by Breaking Bad mastermind Walter White, this drug lab had become a major supplier of the deadly synthetic stimulant across major cities in Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune and several parts of Vidarbha. The discovery of this illegal drug lab came after extensive investigations by DRI into drug cartels operating in Mumbai and Pune. Officials reportedly questioned several peddlers and suppliers and examined their phone records, which eventually led them to this hidden operation in Nagpur.

The raid, which took place in Vaishali Nagar area, resulted in the arrest of Aakash Nimje and three other suspects associated with the production and distribution network. According to sources, the DRI team seized a range of items including mobile phones, equipment, chemical compounds, pharmaceutical literature, diaries and other crucial materials related to drug production.

Investigations have revealed that the criminals behind the Nagpur unit, just like in Breaking Bad, may have used videos on social media platforms to refine their techniques for producing the sought-after and highly dangerous drug.

The operation underscores the growing sophistication and reach of drug production and trafficking networks in India. There are eerie parallels with the fictional portrayal of drug empires now becoming a reality on Indian soil.