Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force seizes drugs, chemicals and manufacturing machinery in Kolhapur
A Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force operation at Hajagoli in Kolhapur district uncovered a drug factory near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. Officials seized 208 grams of drugs worth Rs 1.13 crore and arrested seven people, including two from Belgaum.
Belagavi: The Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force has raided a drug factory allegedly operated through a chicken farm at Hajagoli village in Chandagad taluk of Kolhapur district, near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. The operation resulted in the seizure of 208 grams of drugs valued at Rs 1 crore 13 lakh, along with chemicals and machinery used for manufacturing drugs.
Seven people were arrested in connection with the operation, including two people from Belgaum. The raid was conducted after investigators received information during a drug-related operation in Mumbai. According to the information gathered by the task force, the group was allegedly manufacturing drugs at the site and supplying them to different parts of the country, including Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra.
Hajagoli is located around 25 kilometres from Belgaum, placing the alleged drug manufacturing facility close to the Karnataka-Maharashtra border.
Drug factory raid follows Mumbai investigation
The operation in Hajagoli was initiated after information emerged during an investigation into drug activities in Mumbai. The Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force had been gathering information after its personnel stayed in Pune for three days as part of the investigation.
During the inquiry, investigators reportedly found information about a person named Santosh from Chandagad taluk who was allegedly involved in drug dealing. After Santosh was arrested and questioned, investigators received information about the location of the drug factory at Hajagoli.
Based on the information obtained during the questioning, the task force conducted the operation at the chicken farm in the outer area of Hajagoli village.
The raid uncovered drugs as well as materials and equipment allegedly being used for their manufacture. Officials seized 208 grams of drugs, with the seized substance valued at Rs 1.13 crore. Chemicals and machinery connected with the manufacturing process were also seized during the operation.
Seven arrested in Kolhapur drug case
The Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force arrested seven people during the investigation into the drug factory. Two of those arrested are from Belgaum, while the investigation also identified links to Chandagad taluk in Kolhapur district.
The investigation reportedly began after information obtained during a Mumbai drug operation led authorities to examine possible drug-related activities in the border region. The subsequent questioning of Santosh reportedly provided information that helped investigators locate the alleged manufacturing facility.
The operation has been described as the third biggest operation in Chandagad taluk. Earlier action in the area had reportedly exposed the supply of drugs to Bengaluru.
Drug supply network included Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa
Investigators found that the group operating from the Hajagoli location was allegedly supplying drugs beyond the immediate border area. The supply network reportedly extended to different parts of the country, including Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.
The location of Hajagoli, around 25 kilometres from Belgaum, brought the alleged manufacturing activity close to the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. The seizure of drugs, chemicals and machinery formed part of the action taken by the Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force.
The case also followed the investigation into accused persons linked to drug dealing. The questioning of Santosh from Chandagad taluk reportedly led investigators to information about the factory and subsequently to the raid.
Salim Dola case led to further drug investigation
The investigation also involved information concerning Salim Dola. He was arrested by the Delhi Police in Dubai and brought back, following which the Mumbai Police took him into custody and questioned him as part of the investigation.
The inquiry subsequently identified the involvement of Santosh from Chandagad taluk in drug dealing. His arrest and questioning provided information about the alleged drug manufacturing facility at Hajagoli.
The Maharashtra Anti-Narcotics Task Force then conducted the raid at the location and arrested seven people. The seizure included 208 grams of drugs worth Rs 1.13 crore, as well as chemicals and machinery allegedly used in the manufacturing process.
The operation is being described in the source material as the third biggest operation in Chandagad taluk. A previous raid in the area had also reportedly uncovered a drug supply connection involving Bengaluru.
Drug manufacturing case near Belgaum under investigation
The Hajagoli operation has brought attention to an alleged drug manufacturing and supply network operating near the Karnataka-Maharashtra border. The seized drugs, chemicals and machinery are part of the material recovered during the raid.
Seven people have been arrested in connection with the case, including two from Belgaum. Investigators are examining the information obtained during the Mumbai drug operation, the questioning of Santosh and the alleged supply routes involving Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa.
The raid at Hajagoli was conducted after investigators received information about the alleged drug factory, which was being operated through a chicken farm in Chandagad taluk of Kolhapur district.
