In a significant operation, the Crime Branch apprehended a gang transporting drugs worth ₹66.21 lakh, allegedly intended for New Year parties in Nagpur. Acting on confidential information, Police Constable Ashwin Mange (B. No. 6272) conducted a raid near Koradi Lake along with a panch witness. The operation resulted in the seizure of 554 grams of Mephedrone (MD) powder worth Rs 55.4 lakh, five mobile phones valued at Rs 81,000, and a Duster car worth Rs 10 lakh. A case has been registered under Crime No. /2024 at Koradi Police Station under Sections 8(c), 22(c), and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985.
Investigations revealed that the gang had smuggled the MD drug from Rajasthan via Madhya Pradesh and was attempting to distribute it in Nagpur to cater to New Year celebrations. The police apprehended three individuals on the spot and identified their links to serious crimes. Pawan Mishra alias Miheer, one of the prime accused, has been involved in cases of murder, attempted murder, and fraud. Another accused, Sumit Chintalwar, has a notorious history, including charges of murder, attempted murder, extortion, possession of firearms, and MCOCA-related activities. Shaikh Atik alias Bhuru has prior charges of attempted murder, while Manish Kushwaha has been implicated in a murder case.
The operation was executed under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection) Rahul Makanikar and Assistant Commissioner of Police Abhijit Patil of the Crime Branch. Further investigations are underway to identify other individuals involved in this drug smuggling network.