In a shocking revelation, Pune’s anti-narcotics team has uncovered a complex drug smuggling operation involving Lalit Patil, his brother Bhushan Patil, and their associate Abhishek Vilas Balkawade. The operation, which centers around the distribution of the potent drug mephedrone, has sent shockwaves through Maharashtra and beyond.
Seizure of Mephedrone Valued at Over Rs 2 Crore The anti-narcotics team seized a staggering quantity of mephedrone, with an estimated value of Rs 2 crore 14 lakh. The drug was reportedly supplied by an insider, a canteen worker at Sassoon Hospital. Before being distributed, a sample of the illicit substance was handed over to Lalit’s associate, Subhash Mandal. The ongoing investigation, bolstered by crucial CCTV footage, has unveiled an intricate network of drug peddlers connected to the accused.
Arrests Near the Nepal Border In a significant breakthrough, Bhushan Patil and Abhishek Vilas Balkawade were apprehended near the Nepal border on Tuesday, October 10. Both were promptly produced before a Pune court in the afternoon. While data on their mobile phones had been formatted, cyber experts are diligently working to recover any crucial information. In the midst of this unfolding case, the police are also delving into the extent of immovable and movable property that the accused may have amassed through their drug sales.
Extended Remand for Thorough Investigation Public Prosecutor Neelam Yadav-Ithape advocated for a 14-day police custody to allow for a comprehensive investigation. Judicial Magistrate (First Class) AC Birajdar acceded to the request, extending the accused’s police custody until October 16.
Key Areas of Investigation The ongoing probe is meticulously focused on several key areas, including:
- The source of raw materials for the manufacturing of mephedrone.
- The extent of property accumulated by the accused through drug sales.
- The possibility of an expansive national and international drug racket.
- The locations of any factories or godowns used in the production of mephedrone.
- The whereabouts of Lalit Patil, who remains at large, adding a sense of urgency to the investigation.
This startling revelation has lifted the veil on a multi-crore drug distribution network that operates within Pune and has far-reaching implications, raising questions about the extent of drug trafficking and its possible connections to organized crime networks.
