Nagpur: In a decisive crackdown on narcotics trafficking, Bhandewadi Police apprehended a 24-year-old man and seized 13 grams of MD powder valued at ₹26,000 during a late-night operation on the outskirts of the city. His associate managed to escape and remains at large.

The arrested accused has been identified as Aziz Ahmed Anis Ahmed (24), a resident of Shiv Sundar Nagar in Wathoda. The absconding suspect, Irshad Ansari of Bidgaon, is currently being traced.

Acting on a confidential tip-off that two individuals would arrive to sell MD powder near Aradhana Nagar on the Bidgaon–Tarodi Road, a team led by Senior Police Inspector Pramod Baghele laid a trap around 3:20 am while conducting routine patrolling.

Police spotted the duo allegedly waiting for prospective buyers. As officers moved in, Aziz was overpowered on the spot, while Irshad fled under the cover of darkness.

A search of the arrested accused led to the recovery of MD powder concealed in a zip-lock pouch hidden inside his jeans pocket. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. Police teams have launched a manhunt to nab the absconding accused and are probing further links in the suspected drug network.