Pune: The Home Department has announced a reward of ₹25 lakh to the Pune City Police's Crime Branch in recognition of their significant achievements in anti-drug operations.

Under the leadership of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, the Crime Branch conducted successful raids across various locations, including Kurkumbh MIDC, Vishrantwadi, Dhanori, and Kupwad in Sangli district, as well as in Patna, Bihar, West Bengal, and Delhi.

During these operations, the police seized a massive stock of mephedrone drugs, valued in crores of rupees. The effective and exemplary work done by the officers and staff of the Crime Branch has been duly noted by the Home Department, leading to the announcement of the ₹25 lakh reward.

This recognition highlights the dedication and commitment of the Pune City Police in their ongoing fight against drug-related crimes, demonstrating their pivotal role in ensuring public safety and combating drug trafficking in the region.

Recently in August month, the Anti-Narcotics Cell of Pune Police arrested a major trafficker from Gujarat and seized Mephedrone worth ₹1 crore.

The trafficker, identified as Mohammad Aslam Mohammad Ismail Merchant, a resident of Jambusar in Bharuch district, Gujarat, was apprehended for supplying the drug to various parts of the country, including Pune.

Investigation revealed that the drugs were being delivered through a courier service, leading to the arrest of Vishwanath Konapure, an employee of a courier company.

Further investigations exposed Nimish Abnave as the key player in the Mephedrone distribution network in Pune. Under police interrogation, Abnave disclosed that the drugs were supplied by Mohammad Merchant from Gujarat.