Nagpur: Continuing its intensified anti-narcotics drive under the "Operation Thunder" campaign, Jaripatka Police arrested a 21-year-old man for allegedly possessing MD (Mephedrone) drugs worth approximately Rs 1.3 lakh.

According to police sources, on June 1, between 8.30 pm and 10.20 pm, a police detection team from Jaripatka Police Station was patrolling the area when they received credible information about a suspect carrying narcotics. Acting swiftly, the team intercepted a youth near Chhaya Provision Store on a public road in Nara Village.

Following all provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and conducting the search in the presence of panch witnesses, police identified the suspect as Ayush alias Chandi Amrit Meshram (21), currently residing in a rented house in Nara Village, Jaripatka.

During the search, police recovered 13 grams of MD powder concealed in a zip-lock pouch. The seized contraband is valued at approximately Rs 1.30 lakh. A mobile phone was also recovered, taking the total value of the seized property to around Rs 1.50 lakh.

During interrogation, Meshram allegedly revealed that he procured the narcotic substance with the assistance of four associates identified as Mazhar Ali Akbar Ali of Tekanaka, Pratham alias Bhurya Suresh Dongre of Mankapur, Adarsh Ashok Mishra of Om Nagar, and Sarfaraz Sheikh alias Sappu Don of Kapil Nagar.

Police said the accused was found in possession of the drug with the intention of selling it for financial gain. A case has been registered under Sections 8(c), 22(b), and 29 of the NDPS Act at Jaripatka Police Station.

The accused has been arrested, while efforts are underway to trace and apprehend the other wanted suspects. Further investigation is in progress.