Nagpur: In a major breakthrough, Crime Branch Unit 1 of Nagpur Police apprehended three drug peddlers, including two from Mumbai, for possessing a large quantity of the synthetic drug MD (Mephedrone) valued at ₹31.05 lakh on Sunday. The action was taken under the provisions of the NDPS Act following a well-coordinated trap laid in the Sitabuldi area.
According to the Sitabuldi Police, the raid was carried out at Hotel Shri Kanhaiya located in Hanuman Galli, Sitabuldi, Nagpur, on the night of May 18 between 8:20 PM and 11:30 PM. Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch team laid a trap after receiving information that two individuals from Mumbai were arriving in Nagpur to sell a large quantity of MD.
The accused have been identified as Wasim Khan (37), resident of Kamla Raman Mata Nagar, Riksha Stand, Bainganwadi, Govandi East, Mumbai, Fakhruddin alias Khilli Manuddin Qureshi (26), resident of Bainganwadi slums near the bus stand, Govandi East, Mumbai and Abdul Wasim Abdul Nawab Shaikh (34), resident of Hansapuri near Wadia Hospital, Tehsil area, Nagpur.
Seized materials include:
- 618 grams of MD (Mephedrone) worth ₹31,05,000
- Four mobile phones from different brands worth ₹40,000
- A two-wheeler moped worth ₹1,00,000
- Cash amounting to ₹2,000
- One electronic weighing machine worth ₹1,000
- Total seizure: ₹32,48,000
The prime suspects, Wasim Khan and Fakhruddin Qureshi, had reportedly brought the narcotics from Mumbai to distribute in Nagpur. Their associate, Abdul Wasim Shaikh, was also found accompanying them during the raid. The suspects were caught red-handed with the contraband.
Police have registered a case under Sections 8(c), 22(b), and 29 of the NDPS Act. Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the narcotics and identify the local buyers involved in this distribution network.
Authorities stated that the crackdown is part of an intensified operation against drug trafficking in urban areas, and more arrests may follow based on the ongoing probe.
