Nagpur: In a significant move against illegal drug trafficking, Unit 3 of Nagpur’s Crime Branch apprehended two individuals involved in the sale of ganja, seizing 1.911 kilograms valued at approximately Rs 39,000 here, on Friday, October 25, night. The raid further led authorities to identify two additional suspects, who remain absconding as police efforts to locate them continue.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Akash Jayagopal Khandekar (24) and Sharad Ramji Bhoyar (24), both hailing from Badegaon, Dongargaon in Kuhi tehsil. The operation unfolded following a tip-off, enabling the Crime Branch to conduct a raid that led to the duo’s arrest.

According to law enforcement, around 9:30 p.m. on October 25, a patrolling team from Unit 2 of the Crime Branch was near the Police Central Transport Department office when they received intelligence about three men reportedly arriving in the Gittikhadan area to sell ganja. Acting swiftly, officers raided the specified location, where they apprehended Akash and Sharad. Upon searching their vehicle, authorities discovered the ganja stash, which has been seized as evidence.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to purchasing the cannabis from Roni Rajput, a resident of Kisinga in Odisha, and selling a portion of it to Aslam alias Bhuru Khan Dawood Khan of Rani Bhosale Nagar in Bhandewadi. The police also confiscated additional valuables worth Rs 1.4 lakh from the accused.

Cases have been registered against the suspects under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, as police intensify their search for the remaining accused, Roni Rajput and Aslam Khan.