Nagpur: In a major crackdown on narcotics under the “Operation Thunder – Let Us Unite, Build a Drug-Free Society” initiative, the Crime Branch Unit 4 of Nagpur City Police arrested a 21-year-old man for possessing more than four kilograms of ganja in the Sakkardara area.

The drive is being conducted under the guidance of Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal to curb drug trafficking and substance abuse in the city.

According to police sources, between 11.55 pm on February 13 and 2.30 am on February 14, Crime Branch officials were on patrol when they received specific intelligence inputs about a suspect transporting narcotics. Acting swiftly, the team laid a trap near NIT Ground at Bidi Peth under the jurisdiction of Sakkardara Police Station.

Police intercepted a TVS Jupiter (MH-49-BX-1539) and detained the rider. Upon questioning in the presence of panch witnesses, the accused identified himself as Aditya Ravindra Nanotkar (21), a resident of New Bidi Peth, Nagpur.

A search of the accused and the vehicle led to the seizure of 4.190 kg of green-coloured ganja packed in two plastic bags. Police also confiscated a mobile phone, weighing scale and the moped, collectively valued at Rs 1,81,250.

During interrogation, the accused allegedly revealed that he procured the contraband with the help of a wanted accomplice, Rahul Gole, a resident of Bhandewadi Plot area, Sakkardara. Police said the accused was carrying the narcotics for sale to earn illegal financial gains.

A case has been registered under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(ii)(A), and 29 of the NDPS Act at Sakkardara Police Station. The accused has been arrested, and a search is underway to trace the absconding accomplice. Further investigation is in progress.