Kolhapur Police Apprehend Notorious Criminal in Major Drug and Arms Bust
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Kolhapur police arrested Manish Nagori, a known criminal with a history of illegal firearms trade, on Saturday. The arrest followed the recovery of 835 grams of banned methamphetamine, valued at approximately Rs 26 lakh, from two vehicles belonging to him.
Investigation Links Arrest to Recent Shooting Incident
The arrest was part of an ongoing investigation into a recent shooting case in which a man on bail was critically injured after being attacked. The victim had just left the office of the deputy superintendent of police in Ichalkaranji, where he was called for an inquiry related to a case registered against him. Police investigations revealed that the attacker had obtained the firearm used in the assault from Nagori, who resides in Yadrav town.
Nagori, aged 37, has over 20 cases registered against him at various police stations under the Arms Act, highlighting his long-standing involvement in criminal activities, particularly in providing illegal firearms.
Drug Seizure and Further Evidence Uncovered
During the operation, law enforcement officials confiscated the methamphetamine from Nagori's four-wheeler and two-wheeler vehicles. Alongside the drugs, a weighing scale and a spatula were also recovered, indicating potential involvement in drug distribution. Additionally, four unused bullets were found in his apartment, prompting further scrutiny into whether he possesses hidden firearms.
Annasaheb Jadhav, the additional police superintendent, stated, "We are investigating the drug supply chain from source to customer during his custody." The Ichalkaranji police have transferred Nagori's custody to the local crime branch department for a more detailed inquiry into his criminal network.
Past Incidents and Criminal History
This is not Nagori's first encounter with law enforcement. In February of last year, he was found lying unconscious under the influence of drugs at Tawade Hotel Chowk. The Gandhinagar police admitted him to CPR Hospital, where doctors concluded he had consumed a heavy dose of drugs. At that time, Nagori was returning from Mumbai after attending a court hearing in one of his many cases, having been dropped off at the location by a private bus.
The arrest underscores the police's efforts to combat drug trafficking and illegal arms trade in the region, with authorities committed to unraveling the full extent of Nagori's operations and connections.
