Pune Police seize staggering 600 kg mephedrone worth Rs 1100 crore; three arrested

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Pune Police has seized a staggering 600 kilograms of illicit drugs, estimated to be worth approximately Rs. 1100 crores and arrested three persons.

"Unprecedented Action by Pune Police. In the biggest ever haul yet, 600 kg drugs worth approximately Rs. 1100 crores seized," Commissioner of Police Pune City posted on X.

"Like we said, #DrugFreePune is our top priority & we will do what it takes to ensure an end to manufacture, possession, use or distribution of illicit drugs in #Pune," CP Police's post on X added.

The three persons arrested in connection with the biggest-ever drug seizure in Pune district were booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), police said.

"On Sunday, three persons were arrested and around 1.75 kg of mephedrone (also known as MD) worth Rs 3.85 crore was recovered from them. During investigation, we traced two godowns where another 55 kg of MD was found.

"Following interrogation of the trio and based on inputs received from them, another operation was carried out in the Kurkumbh MIDC area and approximately 550kg of MD was recovered from a unit there," said Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar.

He said as of now, the police have recovered more than 600 kg of mephedrone which is approximately worth Rs 1,100 crore.

"Investigations are going on a war footing. Upward and downward linkages are being probed and our teams are working in close coordination with other agencies," the IPS officer said.

Asked about antecedents of the arrested accused, Kumar said they were primarily acting as "courier boys" and had some offences registered against them.

The police commissioner declined to divulge further details, saying probe was still at the preliminary stage.

Meanwhile, to avoid potential law and order incidents, the Pune Police have issued an order instructing bars and permit rooms to close at 1:30 am. The order, issued on Monday under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), is in response to reports of unruly behaviour in and around bars, permit rooms, and restaurants, which have generated concerns about public order, reported news agency PTI.

According to Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar's directive, several guests/customers have been disruptive, causing insecurity among other guests, notably women. To handle these accidents and protect public safety, establishments have been ordered to rigorously adhere to all rules and regulations.

"It has come to my notice that some guests/customers are indulging in disorderly behaviour and such ruckus is causing a sense of insecurity amongst fellow guests including women. To curb such incidents, the establishments have been instructed to follow rules and regulations," PTI report cited the order issued by Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar.

The order stated that some establishment owners either neglected to exert reasonable diligence in preventing such accidents or intentionally contributed to their occurrence.

According to the rule, all bars and permit rooms must close at 1:30 am, with no exceptions. In addition, indoor music performances are prohibited after 1:30 am, and food and spirits orders cannot be accepted after 1 am, the report added. (With inputs from agencies)