Special Correspondent
Pune: The Anti-Narcotics Cell-1 (ANC) of the Pune Police Crime Branch has delivered a significant blow to the city’s illicit drug trade, registering 14 cases and seizing over Rs 1.5 crore worth of various drugs within just one month. The relentless operations highlight the increasing menace of drug peddling in Pune, a city known for its educational and innovative hubs.
Led by Senior Police Inspector Ulhas Kadam, ANC-1 cracked down on 15 contraband cases in January 2025, arresting 23 individuals and seizing a wide range of drugs, including MD, charas, e-cigarettes, ganja, cocaine, opium, OZK weed, and poppy husk. The investigation revealed a disturbing trend—a high demand for various substances among individuals under the age of 40.
Further probing into the supply chain indicated that Afim originates from Rajasthan, MD and Ozi Kush are sourced primarily from Mumbai, while ganja is smuggled into Pune from Madhya Pradesh and Odisha.
Zero-Tolerance Policy Towards Drugs
Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized the force’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes. “We have a zero-tolerance policy towards drugs. The police force is dedicated to making Pune drug-free. Last year, we seized around 1,800 kilograms of mephedrone worth Rs 3,700 crore in the international market after multiple raids,” he stated.
These raids included operations at a chemical manufacturing factory in Daund Taluka, warehouses in Vishrantwadi, Pune, stores in South Extension Delhi, and locations in the Sangli district. Commissioner Kumar assured that these operations would continue in the future.
Key Arrests and Seizures
Speaking to Pune Times Mirror, Police Inspector Ulhas Kadam detailed the arrests. “We have arrested 23 accused in connection with the drug trade. The peddlers were working solely for financial gain, with no prior criminal records. Most drug consumers fall below the 40-age group. Following the orders of senior officers, we conducted 14 operations, and the crackdown will continue,” he said.
Recent Cases
January 31: The ANC arrested Shivling Naghnath Awate (39) for possessing and selling 98 grams and 26 milligrams of charas worth Rs 98,260. Two mobile phones worth Rs 70,000 and cash amounting to Rs 670 were also seized. Acting on a tip-off, Kadam’s team set up a trap on the Pune-Satara Highway in Mangdewadi and apprehended Awate. A case was registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Bharati Vidyapeeth police station.
January 17: The ANC arrested Husain Khan (21) and Faizan Shaikh (22) from Kondhwa, seizing 77 grams of Methamphetamine (MD) worth Rs 15,70,000. Interestingly, the police discovered that Khan, a key maker running a shop on MG Road, was involved in drug peddling. Further investigations revealed that Nadeem, a Pune resident, supplied MD to Khan. Efforts are underway to apprehend Nadeem.
January 23: A raid in Koregaon Park led to the arrest of Pranav Navin Ramnani (19) and Gaurav Dodheja at Clore Garden Society. The duo was found in possession of 136.64 grams of OG Kush cannabis and 2.78 grams of cocaine worth Rs 67,08,100. Two luxury cars—a Mini Cooper and Grand Vitara—and four mobile phones were also seized.
Continuous Operations
The successful operations were conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingale. Senior Police Inspector Ulhas Kadam, Assistant Police Inspector Aniket Pote, Police Constables Vishal Dalvi, Sandesh Kakade, Vinayak Salve, Dattaram Jadhav, Rehana Shaikh, Yogesh Mohite, and Vipul Gaikwad played crucial roles in the crackdown.
The Pune Police’s relentless efforts to curb illegal drug activities aim to ensure a safer and more secure environment for the city’s residents. As the operations continue, the force remains committed to keeping Pune drug-free and safeguarding its youth from the dangers of substance abuse.
