Gujarat : BJP Leader’s Bungalow in Vapi Raided, Rs.30 Cr Mephedrone Seized

Vapi | Gujarat —  In a major embarrassment for the ruling party, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has busted a massive synthetic drug racket being operated from a bungalow owned by BJP member Manoj Singh Thakur in Vapi. Officials seized nearly 5.9 kilograms of the banned narcotic Mephedrone, estimated to be worth ₹30 crore in the international market.

The raid, conducted in coordination with the Daman Crime Branch, exposed a well-organized network that was allegedly manufacturing and distributing the synthetic drug across the region.

How the Racket Was Busted

According to ATS Deputy Superintendent of Police S.L. Chaudhary, credible intelligence suggested that Mehul Thakur, chemist Vivek Rai, and Mohanlal Paliwal, all residents of Vapi, were preparing and selling Mephedrone from Thakur’s bungalow on Chala Road. Further surveillance revealed that raw material for the drug was also being processed at a farmhouse near Bamanpuja Sikh temple in Daman.

A joint team of Gujarat ATS and Daman Crime Branch, led by Police Inspector Naresh Patel, raided the farmhouse at Moti Daman. The operation resulted in the recovery of a huge cache of chemicals, including 25 kg of bromo chemicals, 50 kg of caustic soda, hydrochloric acid, drums of solvents, and laboratory equipment used for large-scale production of synthetic drugs.

“The quantity and setup indicate that this was not a small operation but part of a wider distribution cartel,” a senior ATS officer said.

One Arrested, Two Accused Absconding

While Mohanlal Paliwal has been arrested, the other two accused—Mehul Thakur and Vivek Rai—remain absconding. Teams have been deployed to trace their whereabouts.

The recovered Mephedrone was found in both solid and liquid forms inside Manoj Singh Thakur’s bungalow. Though he has been identified as the facilitator who provided the property, his direct involvement in manufacturing and sales is under investigation.

Political Shockwaves in Gujarat

The seizure has sent shockwaves in political circles as Manoj Singh Thakur is an active BJP worker in Vapi. Opposition parties have slammed the government, questioning how a narcotics racket could flourish under the roof of a party functionary.

“This is not just a law-and-order issue but a reflection of political patronage being extended to criminals,” alleged a local Congress leader.

Next Steps in Probe

Investigators are now focusing on the distribution network and potential cartel links. Sources suggest that the drugs were likely supplied to multiple states through underground channels.

RMO of Daman Crime Branch confirmed: “We are coordinating with central agencies to track the financial and supply chain. More arrests are likely in the coming days.”

The case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, which carries stringent punishment, including up to 20 years of imprisonment for large-scale trafficking.

A Grave Concern

Synthetic drugs like Mephedrone, MDMA, and MDA are widely abused in party circuits but pose severe health risks due to adulteration with toxic chemicals. Health experts have warned that Gujarat is increasingly being used as a hub for synthetic drug manufacturing.