52 Kg Drugs Seized by Pune Police, The crime branch unit 1 of the Pune city police busted an international Mephedrone (MD) racket and arrested five persons on Monday. More than 50kg of drugs has been seized and the figure is likely to go up, said police. Earlier in the day police seized drugs worth ₹3.58 crore, said officials.
The accused have been identified as Vaibhav alias Pintya Bharat Mane, car driver Ajay Amarnath Karosia (40) and Haidar Nur Sheikh (40). Police said they got information that a car carrying large amounts of MD drugs was heading towards Mumbai. Acting on the tip-off police intercepted a car at Somwar Peth area.
According to police, Mane and Karosia were present in the car and during the search operation police recovered 500 grams of MD worth ₹1 crore and cash ₹2,000, sports bags, two mobile handsets, and an Aadhaar card.
Amitesh Kumar, police commissioner, said, “Constable Vitthal Salunkhe got a tip-off and accordingly we raided the car and arrested two suspects. During interrogation we got information about third suspect and after raids at godown in Vishrantwadi we arrested the third accused.’’
52 Kg Drugs Seized by Pune Police: Police Arrested 3 men Involved In Drungs Smuggling
During police interrogation police came to know that another suspect Haidar Sheikh from Vishrantwadi handed over MD to Mane. Subsequently, the crime branch formed five teams and raided various locations in Vishrantwadi and arrested Haidar.
During search police recovered 500 grams of MD (Cristal format) worth ₹1 crore and a key of a godown. When police raided the godown, they recovered 750 grams of MD worth of ₹1.5 crore.
Police also found 100-200 gunny bags filled with suspicious salt and later confirmed that it was MD along with some salt bags. Two other suspects were arrested by police. Police inspector and investigation officer Rajendra Landge said, as per the instructions of a Nigerian national (who handed over drugs to Hidar ) the said consignment was to be delivered in Mumbai.
Kumar said, “We suspect that there might be an international connection behind the racket and accordingly we have sent our 10 teams to various locations for further arrests in the case.”The accused Mane and Sheikh are on record criminals and 36 cases have been registered against Mane.
The duo met at Yerawada jail, where they most likely hatched the plan of MD drugs business. Sheikh was released from jail in 2022 and Mane in 2023.
In a record haul, MD Drugs worth Rs. 3.58 crores have been seized and 3 suspects arrested. Role of foreigners in the drug supply racket has come to fore and will be unearthed along with all upward + download linkages.
In line with our commitment for ‘Drug Free Pune’ -… pic.twitter.com/3GLfmG2z1G
— पुणे शहर पोलीस (@PuneCityPolice) February 19, 2024
As per initial investigation, there is no connection between arrested accused and drug kingpin Lalit Patil but police are investigating all possible angles in the case. Police announced a dedicated WhatsApp/mobile number 8975953100 to deal with drug-related cases.
Punishment for Drug Smuggling
In India, drug smuggling is a serious offense, and the penalties for conviction can be severe. The punishment for drug smuggling in India can include:
1. Prison Sentence: Depending on the quantity and type of drug involved, the offender can face imprisonment ranging from a few years to life imprisonment.
2. Fines: Convicted individuals may be required to pay substantial fines, which can range from thousands to millions of rupees.
3. Asset Forfeiture: In some cases, assets acquired through drug trafficking can be seized by the government.
4. Death Penalty: In certain circumstances, the death penalty may be imposed for drug trafficking offenses. However, the use of the death penalty is relatively rare and is typically reserved for the most serious drug trafficking offenses.
5. Deportation: Foreign nationals convicted of drug smuggling may also face deportation.
6. Probation and Parole: In some cases, individuals convicted of drug smuggling may be sentenced to probation or parole, which may involve certain conditions such as regular drug testing and counseling.
7. Community Service: Courts may also impose community service as part of the sentence for drug smuggling offenses.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific penalties can vary based on the circumstances of the case and the laws of the state or Union Territory where the crime was committed. Additionally, the use of the death penalty for drug trafficking offenses is relatively rare in India and is typically reserved for the most serious offenses.