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Tuesday,04-November-2025
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From Shampoo To Stimulant: The Legal Loopholes Fueling Mephedrone

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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.

National News

Maharashtra Govt Asks Ladki Bahin Beneficiaries To Complete E-KYC By November 18

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Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has asked beneficiaries of the ‘Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin’ scheme to complete the mandatory e-KYC by November 18.

State Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare said that the honorarium for October will be disbursed from Wednesday, and the amount will be credited directly into the Aadhaar-linked bank accounts of all eligible women beneficiaries.

The state government’s flagship scheme, launched in July last year, provides monthly assistance of Rs 1,500 to women in the 21-65 age group, whose annual family income is less than Rs 2.5 lakh.

The government made e-KYC mandatory for the scheme in September, giving beneficiaries two months to complete the process and issued a government resolution regarding this.

Tatkare, in a post on X, said that the scheme, launched as a social and economic empowerment initiative for women across Maharashtra, continues to gain widespread support and trust from women in the state.

She said that to ensure smooth continuation of the scheme, an e-KYC facility was available on the official portal, ladakibahin.maharashtra.gov.in, since last month, and all beneficiaries have been asked to complete the e-KYC process by November 18.

Talking to PTI, the minister said, “The government has stopped monthly disbursal of Rs 1,500 to 12,000 bank accounts held by men, while the amount disbursed to ineligible women beneficiaries, who were government employees and those covered by other government schemes, over the last year has been recovered.” At present, more than 2.3 crore beneficiaries are registered under the scheme, and the monthly instalment for October will be disbursed from Wednesday, she said.

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Crime

Punjab bypoll: Drugs, liquor, freebies valued at Rs 57.47 crore seized

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Chandigarh, Nov 4: After the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for the by-election to the Tarn Taran Assembly constituency, Punjab Police, following the directions of the Election Commission, has made seizures of drugs, liquor, cash and freebies valued at over Rs 57.47 crore.

According to details, from October 7, the day the Model Code of Conduct came into effect, till November 3, the police in the Tarn Taran constituency seized 51,429.50 litres of liquor valued at Rs 32,89,160, narcotic substances of Rs 56,67,10,500 (21,811.10 grams), cash amounting to Rs 9,73,480, and other items valued at Rs 37,85,700.

Chief Electoral Officer Sibin C said the police have been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance through CCTV cameras at all checkpoints in the constituency to curb illegal smuggling activities.

He added that strict action is being ensured against those attempting to influence voters by distributing cash or any other kind of freebies during the elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer said there are a total of 192,838 voters in the constituency, which includes 100,933 men, 91,897 women and eight third-gender voters. There are 1,357 service voters, 1,657 voters aged above 85 years, 306 NRI voters, and 1,488 voters with disabilities. The number of young voters aged between 18 and 19 years stands at 3,333.

He said there are 222 polling stations set up at 114 polling station locations, of which 60 are urban and 162 are rural.

The Tarn Taran bypoll on November 11 was necessitated by the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal, who had won the seat with 52,935 votes, defeating Shiromani Akali Dal’s Harmeet Singh Sandhu.

Fifteen candidates are in the fray. They include Sukhwinder Kaur of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Harjit Singh Sandhu of the BJP, Harmeet Singh Sandhu of the Aam Aadmi Party, and Karanbir Singh of the Congress.

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National News

Mumbai Police Rescue 60-Year-Old Man Attempting Suicide From 22nd Floor In Malad

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Mumbai, November 4: In a timely and coordinated operation, the Kurar Police in Mumbai prevented a major tragedy by rescuing a 60-year-old man who was attempting to jump from the 22nd floor of a residential building.

The quick-thinking officers acted immediately upon receiving information about the distress call, showcasing the Mumbai Police’s commitment to protecting lives beyond law enforcement duties.

As per a post shared by Mumbai Police on their official handle on X, officials from the Kurar Police Station rushed to the scene soon after receiving the alert.

Recognising the urgency, the police sought assistance from the Fire Brigade, who quickly arrived with rescue equipment. Together, they managed to reach the man and safely bring him down before any harm could occur.

After being rescued, the 60-year-old man was taken to the Kurar Police Station, where he was provided immediate counselling and emotional support. Authorities ensured he was safe and received the necessary care following the traumatic incident.

The Mumbai Police continue to emphasise the importance of mental health awareness and urge citizens to seek help during emotional distress, reminding everyone that timely intervention can save lives.

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