In a major bust ahead of New Year, Maharashtra’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) raided three illegal synthetic drug units in Bengaluru. They seized drugs worth crores and arrested four accused. The operation by Maharashtra’s Konkan division followed a Mumbai drug seizure on December 21. Maharashtra police seized drugs worth ₹1.5 crore in Mumbai and arrested Abdul Khader Shaikh. His interrogation led to arrest of Prashant Yallappa Patil from Belagavi, Karnataka. Based on Patil’s information, ANTF raided three Bengaluru locations linked to "RJ Event", an event management firm masking synthetic drug production. The factories were in Horamavu, Yerapannahalli and Kannur. One was inside a remote farm shed to avoid police detection. Police seized 4.1 kg solid MD, 17 kg liquid MD – totaling 21.4 kg synthetic drugs along with manufacturing equipment and chemicals. The accused are Prashant Yallappa Patil, Suraj Ramesh Yadav, Malkhan Ram Lal Bishnoi, and one associate. Investigators believe drugs were to be supplied to various states, targeting New Year’s demand. This is the second synthetic drug factory busted recently; in July 2025, a mephedrone unit in Mysuru was raided, seizing drugs worth ₹390 crore and making four arrests. Home Minister G. Parameshwara, responding to criticism, called claims of ₹58 crore seizure false. He clarified a joint operation seized 4 kg mephedrone chemicals valued at ₹1.2 crore and arrested one accused. He said Bengaluru Police regularly work with other agencies and warned strict action against officers if found negligent. Former CM and BJP leader Basavaraj Bommai accused Bengaluru police of collusion with drug traffickers. He warned, “Just as there was ‘Udta Punjab’, Karnataka is now heading towards becoming ‘Udta Karnataka’ if the government does not act immediately.”