Chemical factories under scanner again

MUMBAI: The recent haul of mephedrone (MD) hydrochloride by Customs in nearby Pune, in which four people including a British citizen were arrested, has put smalltime

MUMBAI: The recent haul of mephedrone (MD) hydrochloride by Customs in nearby Pune, in which four people including a British citizen were arrested, has put smalltime chemical factories under the spotlight.

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Sources revealed the inadequate checks a concern. “It is a known fact that drugs can be used for medical purposes, but they can also be used for malpractices.

The government allots licenses to the companies with a manufacturing limit for a stipulated time. However, companies can exceed such a limit and there may be misuse for which checks are necessary,” said a high-ranking officer from an agency, on condition of anonymity because he is not authorised to speak to the media.

Sources said there is no fool-proof mechanism to keep a check. “Companies have licenses and hence we have to be very sure before conducting raids to ascertain if a banned drug is being manufactured. A small machine is enough for large-scale production.” said the officer.

Drug peddlers scout for such companies and pay them to produce the banned drug. This was seen in the recent Pune case in which the two prime accused in the case were scouting for potential manufacturers. The mastermind Sundip Dunay; a British national, had camped in Patna at his associate Bipin Kumar’s residence.

While Kumar was in Daund monitoring the delivery of the consignment, the Customs raided the factory, eventually arresting both of them. “The duo was looking for small-time manufacturers in the state to produce the drugs,” said an officer.

Mephedrone synthesis was reported way back in 1923, but it resurfaced in 2003, after an underground chemist published its details on the Internet.

It later became available in Europe, but became popular in India recently.