Nagpur Police Cracks Down on Drug Syndicate with MCOCA Charges
Nagpur police have taken a decisive step against organized crime in the city. They invoked the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against two key members of a notorious drug syndicate. This syndicate, consisting of six members, had terrorized the Kamgar Nagar area in north Nagpur for years.
Operation Thunder Leads to Major Breakthrough
The breakthrough came as part of the anti-narcotics campaign named Operation Thunder. A crime branch team led by API Gajanan Gulhane, working with Kapil Nagar police, conducted a raid in Kamgar Nagar. The operation began late on November 28 last year and continued into the early hours of November 29.
During the raid, a senior crime branch official faced assault from the gang. Despite this, police pressed forward with their mission.
Accused Brothers and Their Criminal Network
Police slapped MCOCA charges on Sameer Ahmed, aged 30, and his brother Imran, aged 28. These two are part of a larger family involved in criminal activities.
Their other brothers, Hasin and Tehsim, recently secured bail after police busted their illegal tobacco factory. Another brother, Faizan, faced narcotics charges last week and is currently on the run.
Though not named in the MCOCA case, police stated that Sameer's brother Shakeel, who has many offences to his name, is under scrutiny. An associate, Akash Sayyam, aged 26, was arrested. Another member, Imran alias Sonu alias Bandar Sattar Sheikh, also aged 26, remains absconding. One other brother has reportedly distanced himself from these criminal deeds.
Seizures and Evidence from the Raid
Police intercepted three suspects who tried to flee during the operation. A thorough search followed, leading to significant seizures.
- 85 grams of high-grade mephedrone (MD) powder, valued at approximately ₹4.25 lakh
- ₹2.55 lakh in cash
- Four mobile phones
- A four-wheeler and a motorcycle
- Electronic items, ziplock pouches, and DVRs
The total value of seized assets exceeded ₹12.71 lakh. This haul underscores the scale of the syndicate's operations.
Police Statements on the Syndicate's Reign of Terror
Zonal DCP Sandeep Pakhale provided insights into the gang's activities. Out of seven individuals, six are habitual offenders, he said. They began with robberies and extortion before moving into peddling ganja, prohibited tobacco, and now MD powder. The group also possesses arms and weapons.
These six operated their crime dens from Kamgar Nagar but had avoided a stringent clampdown until now.
Senior inspector Satish Ade of Kapil Nagar police station highlighted the gang's audacity. The gang's terror was such that they assaulted cops, he noted. In 2016, they attacked a Jaripatka police team. Authorities had to establish a dedicated police station to dismantle their syndicate.
Legal Proceedings and MCOCA Invocation
The case was first registered at Kapil Nagar police station on November 29, 2025. It fell under Sections 8(c), 22(c), and 29 of the NDPS Act. Further investigation revealed a well-structured, ongoing criminal syndicate driven by conspiracy and profit.
This discovery prompted police to invoke MCOCA Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2), and 3(4). Before taking this step, city police consulted legal experts, given the syndicate's reign of terror.
The MCOCA proposal was prepared under the guidance of senior inspector Satish Ade, along with API Yogesh Nalte, API Rahul Thackeray, and others at Kapil Nagar police station. It moved through DCP Sandeep Pakhale and additional CP (north division) Rajendra Dabhade. Finally, CP Ravinder Kumar Singal and joint CP Navinchandra Reddy approved it.
Background: A Fake Robinhood Image and Dedicated Police Response
Sources claimed the brothers cultivated a fake Robinhood image in the area. They used drug proceeds to provide money and favors selectively to poor locals. This strategy aimed to build loyalty while ruthlessly suppressing any opposition.
Their fear grip on Kamgar Nagar was so strong that authorities took a special measure. In 2019, they created a dedicated Kapil Nagar police station. This station was carved out from Jaripatka's jurisdiction specifically to counter the syndicate's reign of terror and address related growing crime activities.
The invocation of MCOCA marks a significant move in Nagpur's fight against organized drug trafficking and violence.
