Nagpur: A drug module was dismantled within the Bhandewadi police jurisdiction on Monday, resulting in the arrest of a gangster who had turned to the narcotics trade for quick financial gain. The accused was found in possession of 52 grams of mephedrone (MD) powder, cash amounting to ₹2.29 lakh, and other items valued collectively at ₹9 lakh. The operation was spearheaded by the anti-narcotics squad, which highlighted a disturbing shift: individuals with backgrounds in murder, dacoity, and other serious crimes are increasingly entering the narcotics trade, driven by the soaring demand for MD at pubs, lounges, and rave parties.
Operation Details
Acting on a specific tip-off, the NDPS team conducted a raid in Sangharsh Nagar, located near Wathoda Ring Road. The suspects were observed in suspicious circumstances, prompting their detention and a subsequent search conducted in the presence of two panch witnesses. Within minutes, the contraband was recovered from their possession.
Accused Identified
The arrested individuals have been identified as Vijay Rahangdale, aged 43, a known gangster with a criminal record that includes murder, robbery, and previous NDPS cases, and Shahbaz Shah, a resident of Gittikhadan. A third suspect remains at large. Preliminary investigations indicate that Vijay had procured the MD and was in the process of handing it over to Shahbaz when the police ambushed them.
Legal Proceedings
A case has been registered at the Bhandewadi Police Station under the NDPS Act. The operation was led by Senior Police Inspector Gajanan Gulhane, under the supervision of DCP Deepak Aggarwal, Joint CP Navinchandra Reddy, and CP Ravinder Singal. The accused are currently being interrogated to trace the supply chain and expose other members of the cartel.
Police Statement
DCP Aggarwal stated, "We will smash the narco mafia in the city." The crime branch has intensified raids and surveillance operations to dismantle supply networks, protect the youth from this growing menace, and prevent the infiltration of gangsters into the narcotics trade.
