Pune, Delhi Cops expose big drug racket, seize Rs 3.5 crore mephedrone, three arrested
The police discovered between 100 and 200 sacks filled with a substance resembling salt, which were sent to a lab to determine whether it is salt or MD drugs
Three individuals have been arrested by the Pune city police’s crime branch for their connection to an international Mephedrone (MD) syndicate. Drugs valued at ₹3.58 crore have been seized. The detainees are Vaibhav, also known as Pintya Bharat Mane, Ajay Amarnath Karosia, and Haidar Nur Sheikh.
On receiving a tip-off that a car carrying a significant quantity of MD drugs was on its way to Mumbai, the police acted promptly. They stopped a car in the Somwar Peth area and found Mane and Karosia inside. During the search, they discovered 500 grams of MD worth ₹1 crore, ₹2,000 in cash, sports bags, two mobile phones, and an Aadhaar card.
Constable Vitthal Salunkhe received the tip and led to the car raid and the arrest of two suspects. Further interrogation led to information about a third suspect, who was apprehended after a raid on a warehouse in Vishrantwadi.
During questioning, the police learned that Haidar Sheikh from Vishrantwadi had given MD to Mane. The crime branch then assembled five teams and conducted raids at various locations in Vishrantwadi, resulting in Haidar’s arrest.
The police found 500 grams of MD worth ₹1 crore and a warehouse key during the search. A subsequent raid on the warehouse yielded an additional 750 grams of MD valued at ₹1.5 crore. The police also discovered between 100 and 200 sacks filled with a substance resembling salt, which were sent to a lab to determine whether it is salt or MD drugs.
The shipment was to be delivered in Mumbai as per the instructions of a Nigerian national who had given the drugs to Haidar. The police suspect an international link to the syndicate and have dispatched ten teams to various locations for additional arrests.
Mane and Sheikh, the accused, have criminal records, with 36 cases registered against Mane. They were released from Yerawada jail in 2023 and 2022, respectively. Preliminary investigations have found no link between the arrested suspects and drug lord Lalit Patil, but all possible connections are being explored.
The police have provided a dedicated WhatsApp/mobile number (8975953100) for reporting drug-related incidents.
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