The Market Yard Police in Pune have arrested Atik Karim Bagwan (27) from Ambedkar Nagar on charges of possessing Mephedrone (MD) worth Rs. 1,09,000. The arrest took place on March 9 after a tip-off led to Bagwan being found hiding behind a public toilet in the Ambedkar Nagar area. Despite attempting to flee, he was caught after a brief chase by the police.
Upon interrogation, Bagwan confessed to being involved in the illegal drug trade. He was found in possession of 6.3 grams of Mephedrone, a drug commonly abused for recreational purposes. This arrest raises concerns about individuals with criminal backgrounds turning to drug trafficking as an additional illegal venture.
The action was conducted under the supervision of Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and the leadership of Senior Police Inspector Manisha Patil and other police officers, including Police Sub-Inspector Savan Awade and Assistant Police Inspector Chetan More.
Bagwan has been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and further investigations are ongoing. This operation highlights the continued threat of illegal drug trade in the city, despite increased surveillance by law enforcement.
This arrest follows a recent Anti-Narcotics Team bust in Nana Peth, where methadone worth Rs. 11.4 lakh was seized, bringing the total value of confiscated substances to Rs. 13.42 lakh. Two individuals, Adeeb Bashir Shaikh (29) and Yasir Hashir Sayyad (30), were also arrested in the operation, highlighting the ongoing fight against drug peddling in the region.
