Nagpur: In a major breakthrough against the narcotics trade, Zone 5 Police led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Niketan Kadam, seized over 224 grams of mephedrone (MD) worth an estimated ₹48.6 lakh, arresting four accused during a two-day operation under the ongoing “Operation Thunder” drive.
Acting on the directives of Commissioner of Police Ravindrakumar Singal, a special team from Kalamna Police Station led by Senior Inspector Pravin Kale and Investigation Officer Santoshkumar Ramlod intercepted an MG ZS EV car (MH-49-CF-7214) at Minimata Nagar around 3.15 a.m. on 16 September 2025. Two suspects—
• Amit Lajjaram Sharma (44), resident of Mahal, Itwari, and
• Mukesh Niranjan Tarale (47), resident of Vasant Nagar—
were found carrying 5.03 grams of MDconcealed in a plastic pouch inside the car dashboard. The narcotics, valued at ₹75,000, and the red electric vehicle worth ₹15 lakhwere seized under the NDPS Act.
During interrogation, Sharma revealed he had purchased the drugs from Ayush Deepak Ingole (20), resident of Gangabai Ghat Road, Kotwali. Acting swiftly, two separate police teams laid a trap near Ingole’s residence through the night of 16–17 September, but he evaded capture.
A second raid on the night of 17–18 September proved successful. Ingole attempted to flee but was overpowered. A search of his premises yielded 219 grams of MDvalued at ₹32.85 lakh. Under questioning, Ingole disclosed that Mayur Prakash Thawkar (21), resident of Shankar Nagar, Kharbi Road, had supplied the contraband.
Subsequently, police tracked down and arrested Thawkar near Gangabai Ghat, Lakadganj, bringing the total seizure to 224 grams of mephedrone and assets worth ₹48.6 lakh, including the vehicle.
Investigators have also identified a woman peddlerlinked to the network, and further arrests are likely. The accused have been remanded to police custody until 22 Septemberfor detailed interrogation to trace the backward supply chain.
The operation was executed under the supervision of Additional CP Rajendra Dhabade, DCP Niketan Kadam, and ACP Ankush Khedkar, with key contributions from officers Ravikumar Shahu, Pradip Pawar, Mangesh Lohi, Santosh Pande, Anil Jadhav, and Prafull Gahokar.
Police have reaffirmed their commitment to intensify anti-narcotics action across Nagpur, warning that suppliers and peddlers will face strict legal consequences under the NDPS Act.
