Pune: Police stations along the Pune-Nagar Road have initiated a special drive against drug trafficking and consumption, resulting in the arrest of 13 men since April 1 from areas including Lonikand, Lohegaon, Vimannagar, Chandannagar, and Kharadi. The teams seized 289 grams of mephedrone (MD) valued at Rs 58.18 lakh, along with additional white powder suspected to contain traces of the drug.
Racket Linked to Rajasthan
In a related case, investigators traced a drug racket with connections to Rajasthan and arrested six more individuals, including two who had been held earlier, bringing the total number of accused to 19. The airport police had initially apprehended Pritam Praful Kulkarni (37) of Wadgaon Sheri and Ubed Ansar Khan (27) of Hadapsar from the Kharadi bypass on April 8. They recovered MD and an SUV worth Rs 26.72 lakh.
Drug Supply to Parties and Pubs
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone VII) Somay Munde stated that the accused sourced drugs for sale at parties and pubs. Those arrested include both suppliers and consumers, ranging from professionals to unemployed youths and regular partygoers.
Man Arrested for Growing Marijuana in Bungalow Garden
In a separate incident, Lohegaon police raided a rented bungalow on Monday evening and seized 43 marijuana plants grown in its garden. The suspect, a share trader who moved to Pune from Gujarat a few months ago, was arrested. He allegedly crushed plant leaves and stems to sell in packets. Acting on a tip-off, Senior Inspector Manisha Patil led the raid. Police reported that the suspect's wife is a working professional, and legal action is underway.
