Nagpur: Intensifying its drive against narcotics and prohibited substances, the Crime Branch’s Anti-Chain Snatching Squad of Nagpur Police arrested three individuals for illegally possessing and intending to sell banned tobacco products under the “Operation Thunder”.

The action was conducted on May 4, 2026, between 2:40 pm and 4:40 pm, following specific inputs received by the police. Acting in coordination with the Food Safety Department, the team raided a residence located behind an ice factory on Kalamna Road in Yerkheda, Ismailpura area of Kamptee under New Kamptee Police Station limits.

During the search of the house belonging to accused Amit Ashok Mate (32), police recovered a large quantity of banned flavored tobacco products of various brands along with five machines used for manufacturing ‘kharra’. Upon interrogation, the accused revealed the involvement of his associates—Pravesh Prakash Fakirde (33), a resident of Jaybhim Chowk, and Niyaz Ahmed Wasiujjama Ahmed (45), a resident of Naya Godam area in Kamptee.

Police seized tobacco products and machinery collectively valued at Rs 98,950. The accused were found storing the prohibited items for illegal sale to earn financial gains.

Based on a complaint filed by the Food Safety Officer, a case has been registered at New Kamptee Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. All accused have been arrested and handed over to the local police for further investigation.

The operation was carried out under the supervision of senior police officers, including the Police Commissioner, Joint Commissioner, Additional Commissioner (Crime), Deputy Commissioner (Detection), and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), with active participation from the Anti-Chain Snatching Squad.