Pune: In the recent Rs 3,600 crore drug case, the Crime Branch police conducted a swift operation in West Bengal, detaining Sunil Burman, a key smuggler believed to be linked with the prime suspects, Sam and Brown. Burman’s apprehension sheds light on the intricate web of drug trafficking spanning across state borders, with preliminary investigations revealing his alleged involvement in identifying warehouse locations in Vishrantwadi and stashing narcotics.
At the heart of this illicit trade stands Sandeep Dhunia, a resident of Patna, Bihar, identified as the mastermind orchestrating the nefarious drug syndicate. The probe, spearheaded by Police Constable Vitthal Vasantrao Salunkhe, has already led to the arrest of several individuals, including Vaibhav alias Pintya Bharat Mane, Ajay Amarnath Karosiya, Haidar Noor Shaikh, Bhimaji Parashuram Sable, Yuvraj Babruwan Bhujbal, Divesh Chiranjeev Bhutia, Sandeep Rajpal Kumar, Sandeep Hanuman Singh Yadav, and Ayub Akbar Shah Makandar.
The investigation gained momentum following the seizure of one kilogram of drugs in Somwar Peth, culminating in the detention of Haidar Shaikh. Subsequent raids uncovered 55 kilograms of mephedrone concealed in a warehouse in Bhairavnagar, Vishrantwadi, prompting further scrutiny into the drug manufacturing operations. A raid on ‘Earthchem Laboratories Private Limited’ in Kurkumbh MIDC yielded a staggering 600 kilograms of mephedrone, with additional seizures amounting to 140 kilograms in Sangli and 900 kilograms across two warehouses in Delhi.
The cumulative seizure of 1800 kilograms of mephedrone underscores the magnitude of the illicit drug trade orchestrated by Dhunia’s syndicate. Dhunia, identified as the prime suspect, managed to evade authorities and flee to Kuwait via Nepal, prompting an international manhunt. Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar disclosed that a red corner notice has been issued against Dhunia through CBI channels, with efforts underway to track down other accomplices implicated in the racket, including the pivotal figure of Sunil Burman.
The recent arrest of Sunial Burman is considered to be a very important aspect of ongoing investigation and crackdown of police against drug syndicate in the city.
