Pune: In a crackdown on drug trafficking, Pune Police have seized narcotics worth ₹7.76 crore over the past year in 70 to 75 operations across the city. The confiscated drugs, weighing a total of 788 kg, have now been destroyed at a private company’s incineration facility in Ranjangaon, as per information provided by Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar.
The seized contraband included mephedrone, brown sugar, opium, LSD, and marijuana. These operations were led by Pune Police’s Crime Branch Anti-Narcotics Squad, alongside investigation teams from various police stations. Apart from confiscating the illegal substances, law enforcement authorities have also arrested several traffickers involved in the trade. Commissioner Amitesh Kumar emphasized that the police are committed to eradicating the drug menace from the city.
Investigations revealed that a large number of college students had fallen prey to drug addiction. Further inquiries traced the supply routes to Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Pune Police Commissioner ordered an extensive crackdown on these illegal networks, leading to the successful seizure of a substantial quantity of narcotics.
Authorities have identified Sandeep Dhuniya as the key figure behind mephedrone smuggling in the region. However, investigations found that he had fled the country. In February, officials uncovered that mephedrone was being illegally manufactured at Arthkem Laboratories in the Kurkumbh Industrial Area. Following this revelation, police seized approximately 1,800 kg of mephedrone from the facility. Commissioner Kumar assured that this stock would also be destroyed by April.
Explaining the procedure for the disposal of seized narcotics, Commissioner Amitesh Kumar stated, “The destruction process is being carried out in collaboration with the State Excise Department, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, and the Forensic Science Department. The entire legal procedure, including court approvals, has been completed. The drugs are being incinerated in a Ranjangaon-based factory following all standard protocols. This long-pending issue of disposing of seized drugs is now being resolved. In February last year, authorities also seized 1,800 kg of MD drugs worth ₹3,600 crore, and the legal formalities for their disposal are in progress. We expect to complete this process within the next two to three months.”
With continued efforts from law enforcement, Pune Police have reaffirmed their commitment to tackling drug trafficking and ensuring public safety.
