Mumbai: In a major development in the Rs 115 crore Satara MD drugs factory case, Unit 7 of the Mumbai Crime Branch has arrested policeman Balu Chavan, posted at Solapur Jail, for allegedly assisting main accused Fiyaz Sheikh in operating a drug syndicate from behind bars.According to investigators, Sheikh, who has been lodged in Solapur jail for nearly one and a half years, allegedly continued to run his narcotics network from prison with the help of the arrested policeman. Police sources said Chavan allegedly allowed Sheikh to use his mobile phone inside the jail, enabling him to control the drug operations and coordinate with associates outside.Officials further claimed that Chavan received large sums of money in return for facilitating communication and logistical support to the accused. The probe has revealed that a mephedrone (MD) manufacturing unit was allegedly set up on Dec 9, 2025, at a farm in Savari village of Javali taluka in Satara district. The factory was busted on Dec 13, 2025, after Crime Branch Unit 7 conducted a raid based on leads obtained during the interrogation of a drug peddler arrested in Mulund area. During the operation, MD drugs and related materials worth around Rs 115 crore were seized.Chavan was produced before a court and remanded to police custody till Feb 21. Police said further investigation is underway to trace other members of the network. Sources added that Sheikh’s son, believed to be operating from Dubai and coordinating the drug trade and financial transactions, has also been named as an accused and is currently absconding.
