Mumbai: The clandestine manufacture of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MD), popularly known as mephedrone, has seen a disturbing surge in India. Mumbai police have discovered several factories producing MD and dismantled these illegal operations, revealing a complex network of small-time criminals and organised networks setting up makeshift laboratories in various locations.

Criminals exploit loopholes in the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act) regulation of controlled substances order, 2013, to procure necessary chemicals. Authorities cannot impose a complete ban on some substances as they are used in everyday items like soaps, shampoos, and medicines. Clandestine labs rely on industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals that are legally available but diverted for illicit use.

The production process is relatively simple, requiring minimal equipment. It involves mixing chemicals, heating to a certain temperature, producing crystals, and then converting them into powder. This simplicity allows MD to be produced even on farms or at home. Chemicals like bromine, methylene dichloride, ethyl acetate, and acetone are essential for production, and these are readily accessible to criminals.

A police officer explained, “In these rackets, at least one or two individuals are typically educated, often with engineering, science, or medical backgrounds, or possess some knowledge of chemistry. Many chemicals used in MD production are found in legitimate products such as shampoo, detergent, and medicines; thus, these individuals sometimes gain experience working in medical or chemical production companies. Sometimes they even use waste materials from such companies to obtain chemicals. Making mephedrone (MD) is relatively easier compared to other drugs.”

Madan Ballal, Assistant Commissioner of Police, said, “We have dismantled factories not only in Maharashtra but also in Telangana and Uttar Pradesh. Our senior officers and chief ministers advocate a zero-tolerance approach to drug-related crimes, and the Maharashtra Police are working accordingly.”

Recent raids in areas like Andheri, Kurla, Bhiwandi, Mira-Bhayandar, Palghar, Navi Mumbai, Raigad, and even Sangli, Nashik, and Latur have resulted in large seizures of mephedrone and the arrest of several suspects. The growing availability of locally produced MD is fuelling addiction, particularly among young people. Mephedrone is a powerful stimulant that can lead to severe psychological and physical harm, including paranoia, heart palpitations, and long-term dependency.

Law enforcement agencies face a dual challenge — dismantling clandestine labs and breaking the networks that distribute MD across the city. Enhanced surveillance, stricter precursor tracking, and public awareness campaigns are urged to stem the tide, but experts stress that closing regulatory gaps is key to curbing this accessible peril.

Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line, is Mumbai’s inaugural fully underground metro corridor, linking the western suburbs, central Mumbai, and the southern tip without utilizing surface-level roads. The line, measuring 33.5 km from Aarey to Cuffe Parade, comprises 27 stations and is anticipated to accommodate approximately 1.3 million passengers daily, serving as a vital connector for north-south travel in the city.

The project marks the culmination of a 15-year vision, with the final phase, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk (Worli) to Cuffe Parade, set to be inaugurated on September 30, 2025, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This stretch includes 11 stations: Science Museum, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai Central, Grant Road, Girgaon, Kalbadevi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Hutatma Chowk, Churchgate, Vidhan Bhavan, and Cuffe Parade. The total cost of Rs 9,785 crore for this phase contributes to a substantial budget increase from the original estimate of Rs 23,136 crore to Rs 37,276 crore. Funding is primarily provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for 60%, with the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra sharing the remaining costs equally.

Metro Line 3’s role in improving connectivity is significant, serving critical residential, commercial, and business districts. It connects major hubs like Cuffe Parade, Nariman Point, and business districts while facilitating transport at key railway stations and ensuring airport connectivity.

The line is expected to drastically decrease commute times, reducing a typical journey from Cuffe Parade to Aarey from 90–100 minutes during peak hours to just 54 minutes. The fare structure is affordable, ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 70, offering a cheaper alternative to cabs, which charge over Rs 700 for similar distances.

To stimulate economic development, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation (MMRC) has initiated a Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) strategy to generate non-fare revenue, selling a 4.16-acre plot at Nariman Point to the Reserve Bank of India for Rs 3,472 crore, with the proceeds invested back into the project.

Challenges in construction have included navigating heritage sites, narrow streets, and unstable soil, particularly in South Mumbai, using advanced techniques to avoid damage to historical buildings.

Despite public opposition regarding the car shed’s location in Aarey Colony, amid concerns about ecological impacts, the site remained due to feasibility issues. Initial phases attracted lower-than-expected ridership, with only 20,000 daily users initially, given the lack of complete connectivity.

However, with the full line’s launch serving commercial areas, MMRC anticipates a significant increase in ridership, projecting 13 lakh daily passengers at stabilization and 31.5 lakh by 2055 following upgrades.

New Delhi, Sep 22: Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria shared his blunt views on Pakistan’s loss to India in the Super Four clash of the ongoing Asia Cup, saying the Indian openers left Pakistan’s bowlers clueless with their ruthless counterattack.

Batting first, Sahibzada Farhan top-scored with 58, while Faheem Ashraf’s unbeaten 20 off eight balls gave Pakistan late momentum as they posted 171/5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Abhishek Sharma stole the spotlight with a whirlwind 74 off 39 balls, smashing six fours and five sixes. Alongside Shubman Gill (47 off 28), he added 105 runs inside the first 10 overs to set up India’s six-wicket victory and a strong start to their Super Four campaign.

“Sahibzada Farhan signalled an AK-47, but then Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma launched a BrahMos of their own with the bat — and Sharma even followed it with a flying kiss. That’s how you do it. The Indian openers’ counterattack was so destructive that Pakistan players were left bamboozled. There’s ‘dhulai’ and then there’s ‘maha dhulai’. This was the latter,” Kaneria told media on Monday.

He further added, “When you have players like Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill as openers, even 200 can look like a small total against them on such a wicket. Both are class players.”

Kaneria also criticised Pakistan’s tendency to look for scapegoats after a defeat, this time pointing to Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal.

Zaman had made a brisk start, flicking Bumrah for four and then driving him for another boundary. But his innings ended in the third over when he edged a slower delivery from Hardik Pandya to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, with the third umpire confirming the dismissal.

“Now Pakistan will look for another scapegoat, and they’ve found one in Fakhar Zaman’s dismissal. He’ll cry now, saying he wasn’t out. But it was a clear and clean catch by Sanju Samson — the gloves were clearly underneath the ball. And yet Pakistan will surely cry over it, talking about ‘benefit of doubt’. Fakhar will cling to this excuse,” said Kaneria.

India will next face Bangladesh on Thursday, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.