Nagpur: A 25-year-old man was apprehended by Nandanvan Police on Tuesday evening for illegal possession of mephedrone drug and other materials valued at more than Rs 2.38 lakh. The accused, identified as Sonu Sanjay Irmalwar, a resident of Bhuteshwar Nagar near Gangabai Ghat in Nagpur, was caught near a kachha road leading to Uday Lawn, opposite NIT ground in Wathoda Gaon.
The operation was carried out between 6:00 pm and 7:30 pm during a routine police patrol based on prior intelligence. Police constable Dinesh Jugnahake filed the complaint after Irmalwar was intercepted and searched in the presence of two panch witnesses. The search was conducted as per the provisions laid out under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
During the search, police recovered 14.33 grams of mephedrone (MD) powder valued at Rs 1,43,500, a Vivo V29e mobile phone worth approximately Rs 15,000, and a Hero Splendor Plus motorcycle (registration number MH-49 CC 6476) estimated at Rs 80,000. The total value of the seized material stands at Rs 2,38,500.
Following the seizure, a case was registered against the accused under Sections 8(c) and 22(b) of the NDPS Act, 1985. As per the investigation, the quantity of the drug recovered falls under the category of being more than a small quantity but less than the commercial quantity, making it a punishable offense.
The operation was led by Senior PI Vinayak Koli along with PSI Pradeep Kait, PSI Nilesh Dalvi, PSI Akash Bairat, WPC Swati Uike, and constables Dinesh Jugnahake, Rahul Khadtkar, Pravin Marape, and Ramdas Haran, all attached to Nandanvan Police Station.
Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the narcotics and identify any possible links to a larger drug network in the region.