Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Anti-Narcotics Cell has arrested three individuals involved in the illegal sale of marijuana. The operation led to the seizure of 33 kilograms of marijuana, valued at ₹18 lakh, and has shed light on a drug supply network operating in the city.

The arrested individuals, identified as Surendrakumar Santosh Tripathi, Ashok Gulabchand Pavra, and Pawan Sanu Pavra, were reportedly smuggling marijuana from Dhule and distributing it across various areas of Pimpri-Chinchwad, including Hinjewadi—the city’s IT hub—and areas near prominent educational institutions.

According to information provided by the police, the accused were actively targeting students and young professionals working in IT companies in Hinjewadi, taking advantage of the concentration of both educational institutions and corporate offices.

The Anti-Narcotics Cell received intelligence about the operation, prompting Assistant Police Inspector Vikram Gaikwad and his team to intensify surveillance in the Hinjewadi and Mhalunge areas.

During a routine patrol, the team noticed a group of suspicious individuals loitering in the area. After detaining them for questioning, the police uncovered an initial cache of 16 kilograms of marijuana.

Further interrogation and investigation revealed an additional 17 kilograms, bringing the total seized to 33 kilograms. The street value of the confiscated marijuana is estimated at ₹18 lakh.

This operation has highlighted a disturbing trend of increasing drug abuse among young professionals and students, particularly in the city’s IT and academic sectors.

Officials confirmed that the accused were specifically targeting this demographic, which has shown a rising demand for marijuana.