In a startling case blending modern technology with crime, the Pune Police have uncovered and dismantled a sophisticated drug manufacturing and distribution network allegedly operated by two ambitious MBA graduates. The duo is accused of using artificial intelligence and hydroponic farming techniques to cultivate high-grade marijuana in a rented Hinjewadi apartment, which later expanded into a city-wide syndicate dealing in multiple synthetic substances.
The Arrest That Unraveled the Network
The operation began to unravel on November 28, when a team from the Khadki police station, led by Senior Inspector Vikramsinh Kadam, Inspector Kiran Gaikwad, and Sub-Inspector Digvijay Chougule, arrested Tushar Chetan Verma (21). Verma, an engineering student from Delhi residing in Sus, was caught in possession of hydroponic marijuana. His subsequent interrogation provided the crucial leads that pointed investigators towards the masterminds behind the operation.
Following Verma's information, the police zeroed in on the two prime suspects. Deputy Commissioner of Police Somay Munde stated, "Sumit Dedwal (25) and Akshay Meher (25), both originally from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and living in Hinjewadi, were arrested for running a hydroponic marijuana setup producing OG-Kush." The setup was housed inside a fully air-conditioned flat in Hinjewadi, which they had rented just two months prior under Meher's name.
High-Tech Operation in a Residential Flat
The investigation revealed a remarkably advanced modus operandi. Despite having no medical or pharmaceutical background, Dedwal and Meher allegedly leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) to design and operate their clandestine production unit. Instead of acquiring an industrial space, they used AI to optimize the hydroponic cultivation process within their apartment, a method typically used for soilless farming of plants.
The police raid on this flat led to the seizure of OG-Kush strain marijuana, sophisticated equipment, saplings, and other items with an estimated value of Rs 45 lakh. All the cultivated plants were subsequently destroyed by the authorities.
Cryptocurrency, Dark Web, and Mumbai Connections
Further probes exposed the extensive reach and digital sophistication of the network. The accused reportedly used cryptocurrencies for transactions, the dark web for sourcing and connections, and social media platforms for distribution. They communicated using drug-related pseudonyms and maintained separate identities on the dark web to avoid detection.
During questioning, Dedwal and Meher disclosed the involvement of two Mumbai-based suppliers. This led to the arrest of Malay Rajesh Deliwala (28) from Ghatkopar (west) and Swaraj Bhosale (28) from Kurla. Deliwala was apprehended near the Mumbai airport upon his return from Assam. A raid on his Mumbai residence yielded a massive haul, including hydroponic marijuana, regular marijuana, hashish, CBD oil, and other contraband worth a staggering Rs 2.8 crore.
"Preliminary findings indicate they sourced raw materials from a Thailand-based supplier, which were disguised as electronic goods. Payments to these international vendors were made using cryptocurrency," explained DCP Munde. The accused initially provided fake addresses, but the police traced them through their e-commerce delivery records, which ultimately led to the hidden manufacturing unit.
In total, the Pune Police have seized drugs, equipment, and valuables worth Rs 3.45 crore in this case. As part of the ongoing investigation, authorities have also frozen 25 bank accounts and crypto wallets linked to the accused to trace the money trail and dismantle the financial infrastructure of the racket.
