Nagpur: Days after the shocking deaths of two MBA students in Mumbai following alleged drug consumption at a rave-style concert, Nagpur has now come under focus after the city’s first-ever seizure of LSD exposed an emerging trend of synthetic drug abuse among college students.
Police officials say a growing section of affluent youth is moving away from traditional narcotics such as ganja and MD and turning towards premium party drugs like LSD and cocaine, raising fresh concerns over changing drug patterns in urban Maharashtra.
Two College Students Arrested in Nagpur LSD Case
The concern intensified after Nagpur Crime Branch arrested two students identified as Kunal Giri, Suresh Giridhanarthi (22), and Dipesh Devidas Bohre (22), both natives of Gondia district. The accused were reportedly studying at G H Raisoni College and living in rented accommodations in MIDC and Pratap Nagar areas.
According to police, the trio was intercepted during routine patrolling after officers noticed suspicious activity near a motorcycle. During the search, officials recovered 17 LSD blotter “dot” stickers weighing 0.170 grams, with an estimated market value of ₹1.7 lakh.
First LSD Seizure in Nagpur Raises Alarm
Senior police officials confirmed that this is the first recorded seizure of LSD in Nagpur, indicating the possible entry of high-end synthetic drugs into the city’s student and party circuits.
“This is the first time LSD has been seized in Nagpur, and we are trying to trace its source,” a senior officer said, adding that the supply chain may extend beyond city limits.
LSD, also known as a party drug, is known for producing intense hallucinations and a prolonged high lasting between six to eight hours. Officials described it as a “last-stage drug” due to its potency and psychological impact.
Affluent Youth Becoming New Target Market
Investigators believe elite students and youth from financially strong backgrounds are emerging as primary consumers of expensive synthetic drugs. Police sources said rising sophistication, peer pressure, easy access, and glorification of party culture on social media are driving demand.
Unlike traditional narcotics, LSD and cocaine are often associated with premium party scenes, private gatherings, and high-spending consumers.
Probe Into Larger Drug Network in Nagpur
Crime Branch teams have now launched a deeper investigation to determine whether the arrested students were part of a wider supply network targeting colleges and young professionals.
The mobile phones of the accused have been sent for forensic analysis. Police are tracing both backward and forward links to identify suppliers, buyers, and the origin of the seized contraband.
Mumbai Incident Highlights Growing Youth Drug Menace
The Nagpur case comes soon after a recent incident in Mumbai’s Goregaon (East), where two MBA students allegedly died after consuming drugs at a music concert, while another student was hospitalised. The incident had already sparked concerns over the increasing use of synthetic drugs among urban youth.
Surveillance Tightened on Campuses and Party Circuits
Following the latest seizure, Nagpur Police have intensified surveillance in educational campuses, hostels, rented accommodations, and party hotspots to curb the spread of synthetic substances.
Officials warned that the shift from conventional drugs to designer narcotics represents a dangerous new phase in substance abuse, particularly among young students.
