In a significant move against Pune’s narcotics trade, the city police’s Anti-Narcotics Squad arrested three men, including a suspended young doctor, for possession of mephedrone valued at Rs11.43 lakh.
The accused have been identified as Mohammad alias Ayan Jarun Sheikh (27), Samuel Balasaheb Pratap (28), and Aniket Vitthal Kudle (27). All three are residents of different areas in Pune and have been booked under the NDPS Act at the Bibwewadi Police Station.
Mohammad Sheikh, originally from Jammu and Kashmir, holds an MBBS degree and was once employed at a private hospital. Previously arrested in a drug trafficking case, he had been suspended from duty. His re-arrest has triggered serious concerns about repeat offenders in the drug trade.
According to authorities, the Anti-Narcotics Squad was conducting routine patrols in the Bibwewadi area when they intercepted a suspicious vehicle near a hotel. Inside, they found the accused in possession of mephedrone. In addition to the drugs, the team seized a car and mobile phones, with total recoveries amounting to Rs15.84 lakh.
The bust was executed under the supervision of Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Pankaj Deshmukh, Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Pingle, and Assistant Commissioner Rajendra Mulik. The operation team was led by Senior Inspector Prashant Annachhatre and included Assistant Inspector Anil Suravase, Sub-Inspector Digambar Kokate, and Constable Sandeep Shirke.
