Police recover Rs 2,500 crore drugs in raids across Delhi and Pune
PTC News Desk: In a sweeping operation spanning two days, law enforcement agencies have seized a staggering 1,100 kilograms of the banned drug Mephedrone (MD), commonly known as 'Meow Meow,' with an estimated street value exceeding Rs 2,500 crore. This significant bust was the result of coordinated raids conducted in Pune and New Delhi.
The operation commenced with the apprehension of three drug smugglers in Pune, where authorities also confiscated 700 kilograms of Mephedrone. Subsequent interrogation of the detainees led investigators to uncover an additional 400 kilograms of the synthetic stimulant stored in warehouse-like structures located in Delhi's Hauz Khas area.
Furthermore, another substantial cache of Mephedrone was discovered in Pune, particularly concentrated in the Kurkumbh MIDC area. This remarkable seizure stands as the largest-ever drug recovery made by Pune Police in Maharashtra and ranks among the most substantial drug busts in the country's history.
Three individuals have been taken into custody under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), signaling a significant breakthrough in combating the illicit drug trade.
Initial inquiries reveal that the illicit substances were being transported from units located in Kurkumbh MIDC to storage facilities in New Delhi. Law enforcement authorities have detained five individuals linked to the operation, comprising three couriers and two others undergoing interrogation.
Described as "courier boys" by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, the apprehended individuals have prior criminal records. Commissioner Kumar emphasised the thorough investigation being conducted by the police, with close collaboration with other agencies to dismantle potential links within the drug trade.
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Among those detained is Anil Sable, owner of the Pune-based factory where the narcotics were stored. Sable was apprehended from Dombivali in Maharashtra's Thane district during the morning hours.
Authorities also suspect a possible connection between the detained individuals and notorious drug trafficker Lalit Patil. Investigations are ongoing to ascertain the extent of Patil's involvement in the case.
Pune Police initiated their crackdown on the drug smuggling network, commencing with a raid on a salt warehouse in Pune. Subsequent operations in Bhairavnagar and Vishrantwadi areas resulted in the apprehension of three smugglers and the confiscation of Mephedrone valued at Rs 3.5 crore.
Concurrently, authorities in Delhi, in coordination with their counterparts in Pune, launched a significant operation in the Hauz Khas area. This led to the recovery of drugs estimated to be worth approximately Rs 1,000 crore. The joint effort by Pune and Delhi Police continues, with the ongoing raid anticipated to yield further seizures, potentially exceeding a total worth of Rs 3,000 crore.
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(Inputs from agencies)
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