Nagpur: In a significant drug bust, the Tehsil Police in Nagpur arrested a 30-year-old man for possessing 9.32 grams of MD (Mephedrone) powder, a banned narcotic substance, during a late-night patrol on July 10. The seized contraband, along with other items, is valued at ₹1,98,200.

The operation took place around 12:55 am near Lal Imli Chowk, adjacent to the wall of Daga Hospital, when the Tehsil Police team received a specific tip-off about a suspect arriving on a black Suzuki Burgman two-wheeler without a number plate, reportedly carrying MD powder for sale. Based on the input, the police laid a trap and intercepted the suspect matching the description.

The accused has been identified as Junaid Sheikh Iqbal Sheikh (30), a resident of House No. 321, Baba Taj Layout, Kharbi, Wathoda, Nagpur. During a search conducted in the presence of witnesses, the police found a zip-lock pouch containing 9.32 grams of MD powder in his possession. Along with the drugs, the police also seized a mobile phone and the unregistered two-wheeler used by the accused.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused was in possession of the narcotics with the intent to sell it for personal profit. The act constitutes a serious offence under Sections 8(c) and 21(b) of the NDPS Act, following which an FIR was registered at Tehsil Police Station, and the accused was formally arrested.

The entire operation was carried out under the supervision of Rajendra Dabhade, Additional Commissioner of Police (North Zone), Rahul Madane, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 3), and Anita More, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kotwali Division). The action team was led by Senior PI Shubhangi Deshmukh, along with PSI Rasul Sheikh, Bismilla Khan, Head Constables Sanjay Shahu and Sandeep Gawali, and Constables Vaibhav Kulsange, Kunal Korche, and Sunil Shelukar.

Further investigation is underway to trace the source and possible network behind the drug peddling activity.