Pune, May 11: Pune’s Wagholi police have dismantled a significant MD (Methylenedioxymethamphetamine) drug network, arresting eight individuals in the process. These suspects were allegedly involved in supplying narcotics throughout the city and its surrounding rural areas, with plans to establish an MD drug manufacturing unit on the outskirts of the district, officials reported on Sunday.
During the operation, authorities seized restricted materials and assets valued at approximately ₹1.16 crore.
The investigation began on April 16 when police intercepted two suspects near the Jogeshwari Weighbridge on Theur Road in the Kesanand area around 8 PM. The suspects were found in possession of five grams and five milligrams of MD drugs, estimated to be worth around ₹1.1 lakh.
Following the seizure, a case was registered against five individuals under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
As the investigation progressed, police uncovered a large and organized drug supply network operating in Pune city and nearby rural areas.
Investigators identified the alleged gang leader, Sumit Ashok Ghule, who is accused of managing the drug supply chain with the help of his associates.
According to police, the gang was reportedly distributing MD drugs not only in Pune city but also in rural areas such as Lonikand, Bhima Koregaon, Shikrapur, Karegaon, Ranjangaon, and Shirur.
Further investigation revealed that the suspects were planning to set up a factory for manufacturing MD drugs in the rural areas surrounding Pune.
Authorities noted that the gang was allegedly seeking assistance from another suspect who was currently out on bail and had a criminal record related to drug manufacturing.
Based on technical surveillance and confidential intelligence, police teams located and arrested the main suspect, Sumit Ghule, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Subsequently, several other associates of the gang were apprehended at various locations. Among those arrested were Akash Ashok Dhawale, Ramnivas Bishnoi, and other collaborators involved in the drug trade.
Police reported that a substantial quantity of MD drugs was recovered during this operation.
To date, a total of 225 grams of MD drugs have been seized, with an estimated illegal market value of around ₹45.6 lakh.
In addition to the narcotics, police confiscated several luxury vehicles linked to the drug network, including a BMW and other high-end cars.
Officials stated that with the arrest of the eight suspects, the entire drug distribution network operated by this gang has been dismantled.
The total value of the seized narcotics, vehicles, and other confiscated assets is estimated to be around ₹1.16 crore.
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