Nagpur Crime Branch Cracks Down on Interstate Drug Trafficking
In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Nagpur Crime Branch successfully intercepted a major drug consignment on Thursday, leading to the seizure of 5 kilograms of ganja and the arrest of four alleged peddlers. The operation, meticulously planned and executed, highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug-related crimes in the region.
Highway Interception Based on Intelligence
Acting on reliable intelligence inputs, officers from the Crime Branch, under the leadership of Senior Inspector Vinayak Golhe, set up a strategic interception point on the Nagpur-Bhandara Highway. The team targeted a four-wheeler near Kapsi Buzurg village, swiftly moving in to halt the vehicle for inspection.
Upon conducting a thorough search of the car, police discovered a plastic bag containing 5 kg of green-coloured ganja. The contraband was carefully packed, indicating its intended distribution. This seizure marks a substantial blow to local drug supply networks operating in and around Nagpur.
Arrests and Seizures in Kamptee Area
The four individuals arrested in connection with the case have been identified as Faizan Ansari (26), Ahmar Khan (32), Mohammad Shahid (29), and Firdos Khan (40). All are residents of the Kamptee area in Nagpur, suggesting a localized operation with broader connections.
In addition to the ganja, authorities confiscated three mobile phones, the vehicle used for transportation, and Rs 2,380 in cash. The total estimated value of the seized contraband and assets amounts to approximately Rs 5 lakh, underscoring the financial stakes involved in such illicit activities.
Supervision and Interrogation Insights
The operation was closely supervised by senior police officials, including DCP (Crime) Rahul Maknikar, Additional CP Vasant Pardeshi, and ACP Abhijit Patil. Their oversight ensured a coordinated and effective response to the intelligence received.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to transporting the ganja for financial gain. They revealed that the drugs were sourced with the assistance of an accomplice named Isam, also referred to as Ravibhai, from Katabanji in Odisha. This disclosure points to an interstate drug supply chain, with connections extending beyond Maharashtra.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigations
A case has been registered against the arrested individuals at the Pardi Police Station under Sections 8(a), 20(b)(ii)(b), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These sections pertain to the prohibition, control, and regulation of narcotic substances, as well as abetment and criminal conspiracy in drug-related offenses.
Police are actively pursuing the absconding supplier from Odisha, indicating that the investigation is ongoing and aims to dismantle the entire network involved in this drug racket. The search highlights the commitment of authorities to target not only local peddlers but also the sources fueling such illegal trade.
This operation serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by drug trafficking and the vigilant efforts required to curb it. The Nagpur Crime Branch's success in this case demonstrates the importance of intelligence-driven policing and inter-agency cooperation in tackling organized crime.
