The cops have seized 129 kg of MD drugs which has market value of over Rs 51 crores.

A major drug racket has been busted and a consignment of banned narcotic substance Mephedrone (MD) has been seized by Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) in Eastern Express Highway near Bhandup.

The Maharashtra ATS has arrested five accused in the case -- Abdul Shaikh, 47, Irfan Shaikh, 43, Suleiman Shaikh, 28, Naresh Maskar, 44 and Jitendra Parmar, 45.

The cops have seized 129 kg of MD drugs which has market value of over Rs 51 crores and cash worth Rs 1 crore was also seized.

On Monday, the Vikroli Unit of the Maharashtra ATS received information that two suspects were coming near Bhandup pumping station on Eastern Express Highway (towards Mumbai) to sell MD.

Accordingly, a trap was laid down and two accused were arrested who had 9 kgs of MD in their possession. A case under NDPS Act, 1985 was registered against both the accused.

After thorough investigation, three more accused were arrested who were involved in the production and distribution of MD in Mumbai and other areas of Maharashtra.

A total of 129 kgs of MD was then seized from the arrested accused.

One kilogram of MD costs around Rs 40 lakhs in the international market.

ATS also seized Rs 1, 40,4000 in cash from accused which they allegedly got by selling Mephedrone (MD).

The police have seized hard cash and banned drugs worth Rs 52,64,94,000 from the accused.

The police said prima facie evidence showed that the accused used advanced technology and high-quality chemicals to produce MD in large quantities.

Search operation is still on in factories and surrounding areas which may give further leads for investigation.