In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Crime Branch has successfully dismantled two separate gangs involved in smuggling large quantities of ganja into the city. The coordinated operations led to the seizure of a total of 86 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 48 lakh in the illicit market, and the arrest of seven individuals, including two women.
First Gang Nabbed in Chakan with 31kg Consignment
The first breakthrough came on Monday when a crime branch team, under the leadership of Senior Police Inspector Jitendra Kadam, intercepted three men in the Chakan area. Upon searching their backpacks, the officers discovered 31 kg of ganja with an estimated street value of Rs 15.50 lakh.
Investigations revealed that the arrested trio, all hailing from Dhule, had transported the contraband substance via a public transport bus. "The trio hails from Dhule. They revealed that they brought the ganja from Dhule on a public transport bus," confirmed an officer from the crime branch, highlighting the inter-city nature of the smuggling operation.
Second Network Smuggling from Other States Busted in Akurdi
In a parallel operation that preceded this bust, the Anti-Narcotics Cell of the crime branch, led by Senior Police Inspector Mahesh Patil, had already struck on December 26. This team apprehended four persons, including two women, at Akurdi.
From this group, the police recovered an even larger haul of 55 kg of ganja, worth about Rs 32 lakh. Preliminary interrogations indicated that this particular gang had wider connections, sourcing their illicit cargo from other states. "The gang used to smuggle the ganja from other states," the officer stated, pointing to a more organized interstate smuggling racket.
Major Blow to Drug Supply Chains in Pune Region
The twin operations represent a substantial victory for the Pimpri Chinchwad police in their ongoing war against drug peddling. The seizure of such a large quantity of ganja in a short span disrupts the supply chain and deals a financial blow to the smuggling networks operating in and around Pune.
The arrests of seven accused, spanning two different modules, will allow investigators to dig deeper into the routes, suppliers, and distributors involved. The police have registered relevant cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, and further investigations are underway to uncover the full extent of these networks and possibly make more arrests.
