Ujjain: In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, the Ujjain police seized more than one kilogram of mephedrone (MD) and apprehended two interstate traffickers during a routine night patrol. The accused were planning to transport the contraband to Maharashtra, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Details of the Seizure
The arrested individuals have been identified as Pankaj Charde, 34, a resident of Nagpur, and Amit Tiwari, 20, a native of Bihar. They were taken into custody under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act after law enforcement recovered 1.015 kilograms of MD drug. The estimated market value of the seized substance is approximately Rs 15 lakh.
How the Arrest Unfolded
Addressing a press conference, Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Sharma stated that a police team on night patrol spotted a Maharashtra-registered car parked on the service road beneath the Garoth Road bridge in the Chimanganj Mandi police station area on Monday night. Upon seeing the police, the two occupants attempted to flee but were swiftly apprehended.
During a thorough search of the vehicle, officers discovered a khaki-coloured box containing a light brown substance. Preliminary tests identified the substance as mephedrone. The drugs and the car used for transportation were seized, and a case was registered.
Interrogation Revelations
During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that they had procured the narcotics from Mandsaur district and intended to transport them to Nagpur. According to police, the duo had halted in Ujjain to pick up an associate when they were caught.
Criminal Background
Sharma further revealed that Pankaj Charde has a criminal history and is wanted in six cases, including offences under the NDPS Act and attempt to murder, registered at various police stations in Nagpur.
