Pune: In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the Market Yard Police apprehended a habitual offender and seized mephedrone (MD) valued at ₹1.09 lakh. The arrest has intensified concerns over the involvement of known criminals in the city’s drug trafficking network.
The accused, Atik Karim Bagwan (27), a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, Market Yard, was caught in possession of mephedrone with the intent to sell. Acting on intelligence received during a routine patrol, police officers found Bagwan loitering suspiciously behind a public toilet wall in Ambedkar Nagar.
When approached, Bagwan attempted to flee but was apprehended after a brief chase. Initially providing evasive responses, he later confessed to his involvement in drug sales. A subsequent search, conducted in the presence of witnesses, led to the recovery of 6.3 grams of mephedrone.
The operation was conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, Joint Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Manoj Patil, Deputy Commissioner Rajkumar Shinde, and Assistant Commissioner Dhanyakumar Godse. Senior Police Inspector Manisha Patil led the team comprising Police Sub-Inspector Sawan Aware, Bhapkar, Assistant Police Inspector Chetan More, Constable Jadhav, and officials Zayte and Yadav.
A case has been registered against Bagwan under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Market Yard Police Station. Assistant Police Inspector Chetan More is leading the ongoing investigation.
Despite stringent police surveillance, drug sales continue to pose a challenge in Pune. Recently, the Anti-Narcotics Squad of the Crime Branch arrested two individuals in Nana Peth for attempting to sell mephedrone. Substances worth ₹13.42 lakh, including ₹11.40 lakh worth of MD, were seized.
The accused in this case were identified as Adib Bashir Sheikh (29) from Nana Peth and Yasir Hashir Syed (30) from Kondhwa.
Law enforcement authorities have reiterated their commitment to intensifying efforts against drug trafficking to ensure the safety and security of Pune’s citizens. Investigations are ongoing to dismantle drug networks and curb illegal narcotics distribution in the region.
