India, Feb. 1 -- Investigations into the seizure of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs.29.73 crore by the Sangli police have revealed a disturbing trend - illegal drug manufacturers are increasingly targeting vacant properties in Sangli, Solapur and the adjoining areas to set up clandestine drug manufacturing units.

On January 27, the Sangli crime branch arrested three individuals for running an illegal MD manufacturing unit in the Karve Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area. The accused were found exploiting abandoned MIDC units, particularly in the rural areas of western Maharashtra including Pune, Sangli and Solapur for their illegal operations.

Sangli superintendent of police Sandeep Ghuge said that drug manufacturers pre...