Pune: The Pune Police Crime Branch's Anti-Narcotics Cell apprehended a man for possession of narcotics worth ₹43.87 lakh in the Katraj area. The raid led to the seizure of 2.14 kilograms of charas and 1.79 kilograms of ganja.

The accused has been identified as Arun Ashok Arora, aged 50, a resident of Pritam Heights in Mangdewadi, Katraj. Acting on a tip-off received by police officer Yogesh Mandhare during routine patrolling, the Anti-Narcotics Cell launched an operation in the area. The raid uncovered a substantial stock of illegal substances stored by the accused.

The market value of the confiscated drugs is estimated at ₹43.87 lakh. Investigators are now focused on tracing the origin of the narcotics and identifying potential buyers or accomplices involved in the distribution network.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of Additional Commissioner Shailesh Balkawade, Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Pingale, and Assistant Commissioner Rajendra Mulik. The team included Assistant Inspector Nitin Kumar Naik, Yogesh Mandhare, Prashant Bomadandi, Nitin Jagdale, Azad Patil, and Disha Khewalkar.

Earlier in September 2024, a gangster who had previously been externed for violent crimes was arrested in Katraj for violating his expulsion order and threatening a young girl.

The accused, identified as Datt Rahul Kadam, aged 23, allegedly entered a residence in Mangdewadi, Jadhav Nagar, and threatened the girl with dire consequences if she did not comply with his demands.