Mumbai: Fall of charas, and rise of MD

After Article 370's revocation, crackdowns on ‘Kashmiri charas' suppliers led to a surge of cheap drugs in major Indian markets like Mumbai. This created a void in the narcotics trade, leading opportunists to introduce synthetic drugs like meow meow or MD. mid-day investigates MD's rise, its popularity in the party scene, and law enforcement's ongoing struggles against this menace.

Law enforcement agencies in Mumbai and neighbouring districts like Navi Mumbai, Thane, and Mira Bhayandar, Vasai and Virar have witnessed a surge in MD seizures, replacing Kashmiri charas, which was once in high demand. The abrogation of Article 370 disrupted the interstate network transporting Kashmiri charas, previously utilised in terror funding. As crackdowns intensified, suppliers faced increased scrutiny, leading to a vacuum in the narcotics landscape. This gap paved the way for the rise of synthetic drugs.

Official data on drug seizures around Mumbai reveals a notable shift. According to police sources, syndicates involved in charas peddling have weakened, with most peddlers turning to selling MD due to its lucrative returns and lower risk of detection.

Poor man's cocaine

Former zonal director of the Maharashtra Narcotic Control Bureau, Sameer Wankhede, said, "Since 2013, mephedrone sale and consumption have seen a rise. It's called the poor man's cocaine. The pocket money which youngsters or college students get is not enough to purchase cocaine. Youngsters mostly consume mephedrone because it is cheaper." Regarding the fall of Kashmiri charas leading to an increase in MD sales, Wankhede said, "The Union ministry and Central government in the past few years have carried out major operations in Kashmir against the narcotic syndicate. Similarly, the local agency across Maharashtra had a major crack on the route and supply."

Creating awareness

Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar (MBVV) Police Commissioner Madhukar Pandey, said, "We follow a multi-pronged, multi-agency approach to control and curb the drug menace. The multi-pronged approach comprises awareness campaigns, drives in schools, colleges, and societies, continuous drives against consumption and supply of drugs and the creation of a dedicated anti-narcotic cell in the Crime Branch, etc." He added, "Last month, we organised a meeting with principals of all the schools and colleges of Mira Bhayandar, in which a confidential number was given to them to pass on any information related to the drug menace."

Meticulous raids

Milind Bharambe, the commissioner of Navi Mumbai Police, said, "African nationals are also part of the syndicate peddling mephedrone in and around Navi Mumbai." "We planned meticulously and carried out large-scale raids after detecting their involvement in the supply chain of mephedrone and cocaine. Every corner of the building was covered, and breakups were made ready for every modus operandi they apply. Usually, they stash drugs in the washroom, so we stationed personnel near the drainage to recover the material. From CCTV to watchers, everyone was deployed to ensure the raids' success. Over 75 were detained and given return notices, while 20 were arrested and jailed after the investigation. We conduct regular checks and raids to ensure no illegal activities occur in the city," Bharambe added.

The central agency, along with the state, is stringent in combating narcotics. The Union and Home Ministry enforce a zero-tolerance policy towards narcotic substances, issuing circulars every month to crack down on drug-related activities. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, emphasises action and results. Every unit, from the Narcotic Cell to the Crime Branch and local police, is tasked with addressing narcotics issues.

Rise, fall of Kashmiri charas

The Pathan Gang, led by Karim Lala, was prominent in opposing the most wanted underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. While many gangsters were involved in alcohol-related crimes, the Pathan Gang, or Haji Mastan, favoured Kashmiri or Afghani hashish, which was in high demand in past decades due to its organic nature.

"Farmers would personally transport the charas concealed in apple trucks to Maharashtra, dodging and bribing corrupt officials en route. The supply chain network of Kashmiri charas suffered after several suppliers were arrested in Maharashtra," said an officer of Maharashtra police. "After the abrogation of Article 370, Central agencies initiated crackdowns on charas cultivation, as the drug money funded terror activities," the officer continued, requesting anonymity.

Facing crackdowns, small players on Mumbai's outskirts, who previously peddled Kashmiri charas, sought alternatives. "As the demand for Kashmiri charas soared due to disrupted supply chains, its price skyrocketed," revealed a source close to law enforcement. "Fearing arrest, small players turned to manufacturing synthetic drugs like MD, available at a much lower price than Kashmiri charas," the source added.

"Those entrenched in charas peddling for decades transitioned to ‘white business', with many donning white attire," the source explained. "These peddlers oncealed synthetic drugs near educational institutions," a police officer said. The officer added, "Despite protests against drugs in 2014, peddlers resumed activity, with family members taking over businesses. Periodic actions nabbed peddlers, some of whom passed the trade to family members to mint money. With amassed wealth, they became suppliers, setting up factories in secluded areas," the officer concluded.

Drugs seizure in and around Mumbai

MBVV police
>> In 2020, the MBVV police seized 2.47kg of MD and registered six cases, while only five grams of charas led to one case.
>> The crackdown intensified in 2023, with 22.42 kg of MD confiscated and 20 cases filed, compared to just one charas case.
>> Till February this year, three FIRs were filed for MD seizures, while one was for charas.

Mumbai police
>> In 2018, 2.58 kg of MD was seized, but in 2022, 2,442kg of MD was confiscated, indicating a shift in demand.
>> Charas seizures in 2022 were 11.85 kg, compared to 7.34 kg in 2018, highlighting the decline in demand for organic charas.

Navi Mumbai police
>> In 2023, ANC seized 8.909 kg of MD worth R9.33 crore, contrasting with 3.64 kg of charas worth Rs 15.40 lakh.
>> Till February this year, 804 grams of MD worth R80.44 lakh were seized, but no charas confiscations were reported.

Thane police
>> In 2021, 35 arrests were made for MD peddling, with 1.35 kg worth R62.11 lakh seized, compared to only four arrests for charas, totalling R52.47 lakh.
>> In 2023, 65 individuals were arrested for MD sales, with R1.44 crore worth of MD confiscated, and R1.11 crore worth of charas seized from 20 individuals involved in the syndicate.
>> The recent charas seizures include not only Kashmiri charas but also Nepali and Himachali charas, representing low-quality narcotics substances.