In a major crackdown on cross-border crime, authorities in Mumbai, Telangana and Meghalaya busted two separate illegal rackets operated by Bangladeshi nationals.
In Hyderabad, a Rs 12,000 crore drug manufacturing unit was uncovered following the arrest of an illegal Bangladeshi woman, Fatima Shaikh, in Mumbai with narcotics.
While in Shillong, ten illegal Bangladeshi nationals were arrested for running a vehicle theft and smuggling racket, stealing vehicles in India and selling them across the Bangladesh border.
In the first case, a Rs 12,000 crore drug manufacturing unit was busted in Hyderabad. The racket was uncovered after an illegal Bangladeshi woman Fatima Shaikh was arrested in Mumbai with drugs.
Maharashtra’s Mira Bhayandar–Vasai Virar (MBVV) police uncovered a mephedrone (MD) manufacturing unit in Hyderabad’s Cherlapally.
The breakthrough came on August 8 when police apprehended 23-year-old Fatima Murad Shaikh, alias Molla near Kashimira bus stop on Mira Road.
Mumbai police officers seized 178 grams of mephedrone, Rs 23.97 lakh in cash, and other valuables from her possession. The value of the seized mephedrone is reportedly Rs 9 crore.
A case was booked under multiple provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, as well as the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.
During interrogation, Shaikh revealed that the drug was being sourced from Telangana, following which, a team of 15 officers, including three senior rank officials, arrived in Hyderabad to probe into her lead in August.
On September 5 they uncovered the factory illegally manufacturing MD in Navodaya Colony in Hyderabad, Cheralapalli.
“Inside, we found nearly 5.8 kilograms of mephedrone, 35,500 litres of chemicals, 950 kilograms of powder and other materials used in the production of the synthetic drug,” said a police official.
The operation led to the arrest of 12 individuals linked to the racket. Police also seized 27 mobile phones, four vehicles, electronic weighing machines and equipment used in the drug’s manufacture.
In the second case, the police in Meghalaya have cracked down on an organised bike theft racket operating in the East Khasi Hills district.
A total of 17 individuals, including 10 illegal Bangladeshi nationals and two minors, have been apprehended in connection with the case. The crackdown follows a sharp rise in motorcycle thefts in Shillong and surrounding areas, prompting a targeted investigation by state authorities.
“A total of 17 persons has been arrested and 2 minors apprehended in the organised crime racket of bike thefts,” East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said in a statement.
Nine out of 19 involved in the racket were identified to be hailing from the Barato, Dawki and Jowai villages in West Jaintia Hills district.
According to the SP Vivek Syiem, the investigation revealed that the stolen bikes were being handed over to Bangladeshi receivers.
“They are being produced before the competent court,” the SP said.
A user on X, raised concern about the rising infiltration from Bangladeshi nationals and posted, “Two rackets involving illegal Bangladeshis were busted in 2 states. In Telangana, Rs 12,000 Crore drug manufacturing unit was busted in Hyderabad. The racket was uncovered after an illegal Bangladeshi woman Fatima Shaikh was arrested in Mumbai with drugs. In Meghalaya, a racket involved in stealing vehicles and selling them in Bangladesh was busted in Shillong. 10 illegal Bangladeshis were operating this racket, and all have been arrested. Every racket exposes how deep the infiltration has already gone.”
