In a significant pre-New Year crackdown, the MIDC police station in Nagpur has apprehended two individuals from Rajasthan and confiscated a substantial quantity of mephedrone, commonly known as MD. The seized narcotics, weighing approximately 533 grams, carry an estimated street value of a staggering ₹53.30 lakh.
Operation Thunder Nets Major Haul
The successful operation was conducted on Tuesday evening in the Wanadongri-Sangam area. Acting on a specific tip-off, a police team led by Senior Inspector Gokul Mahajan swooped in on the suspects. The information suggested that two drug peddlers from Rajasthan were planning to sell the prohibited MD powder in an open area along Sangam Road.
This raid forms a crucial part of 'Operation Thunder', an initiative launched by Commissioner of Police Ravinder Singal to combat the narcotics trade. The operation was executed under the supervision of Zonal DCP Rishikesh Singa Reddy.
Interstate Network Unraveled
The arrested accused have been identified as Ramswaroop Bishnoi (24) and Hariram Paliwal (31), both hailing from Balotra district in Rajasthan. Investigations reveal that the duo arrived in Nagpur by train and subsequently checked into a hotel on the city's outskirts.
Police sources indicate that the pair were sent to Nagpur by a former city resident who had previously worked at a sweet shop. After turning to drug peddling, this individual allegedly attempted to leverage his old network in Nagpur to establish a supply chain for mephedrone. This incident highlights the growing menace of interstate drug networks targeting industrial zones like MIDC for distribution.
Heightened Alert for New Year Celebrations
Authorities have expressed grave concern over the timing of the seizure, which comes just days before New Year's Eve celebrations. A police source stated, "MD, ganja, cocaine, and brown sugar worth crores of rupees would be consumed in parties during the New Year's celebrations in just a couple of days. The demand is very high."
Consequently, the police force is now on high alert against the influx of drugs from various regions. Special vigilance is being maintained against MD and other synthetic drugs entering from Rajasthan and Mumbai, and ganja originating from Odisha.
A Landmark Seizure for the Region
This bust is reported as the first instance where such a large quantity of mephedrone has been recovered from the MIDC area under Operation Thunder. The contraband was allegedly brought into the industrial zone specifically for sale at premium prices during the festive period.
The seizure of 533 grams of MD, valued at over half a crore rupees, marks one of the most substantial hauls in the MIDC police jurisdiction, dealing a severe blow to drug syndicates aiming to cash in on the celebratory demand.
