Pune, November 1, 2023: In a significant joint operation, the Military Intelligence Unit of the Southern Command of the Army and Pune Police’s anti-narcotics squad successfully dismantled a drug smuggling operation involving the illicit substance Mephedrone. Four individuals, Anneet Bipin Khade (19), Chaitanya Shivaji Sawle (27), Sarth Virendra Khare (19), and Vishal Kamlesh Mehta (19), have been apprehended in connection with the smuggling. Another suspect, Anush Jotiba Mane of Ghorpade Peth, is currently evading arrest.
The operation unfolded following information that the accused were not only trafficking drugs but also supplying them within Army establishments. The seized contraband includes Mephedrone with an estimated value of Rs 2 lakh 14 thousand in the Indian market and approximately Rs 6.7 lakh in the international market. Additionally, four mobile phones valued at Rs 1 lakh ten thousand have been confiscated. The case has been officially registered at Khadak Police Station, based on a complaint lodged by Assistant Police Inspector Dnyaneshwar Laxman Ghorpade.
The joint team laid a trap in front of Snehdeep Bungalow in Shukrawar Peth, leading to the arrests on Tuesday around 11.20 pm. The accused underwent thorough interrogation and search procedures, culminating in the discovery of the illicit substance in their possession.
As the investigation continues, authorities are actively pursuing the remaining suspect who is currently evading arrest.
