Police arrested Lawyer, Engineer and MBA with Drugs (LSD) of Rs 1.14 Crore

The Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of Pune Crime Branch has apprehended a group of five individuals, including a lawyer, engineer, and MBA student, for their involvement in a narcotics-related case. 

The ANS successfully confiscated a staggering 41,986 counterfeit lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) stamps, a synthetic chemical drug, estimated to be worth ₹1.14 crore. The accused allegedly utilized an online food delivery app as a platform for their drug transactions, raising concerns about the misuse of technology for illicit activities. 

This seizure marks one of the largest recoveries of narcotics in recent times, highlighting the relentless efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug-related crimes. The arrest and recovery operation was conducted by a team of ANC officials led by Police Inspector Vinayak Gaikwad of the ANS-Unit I. During the investigation, one of the accused disclosed the presence of a hidden drug consignment stored in a two-wheeler. 

Acting swiftly on this information, the ANS team promptly located the vehicle and uncovered the stash of LSD stamps. The individuals arrested in connection with this case have been identified as Rohan Gavai, Sushant Gaikwad, Dhiraj Lalwani, Deepak Gehlot, and Omkar Patil. Along with the seizure of the counterfeit drugs, the police also confiscated a cellphone and a two-wheeler from the accused. 

A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against the accused at Yerwada police station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. During the custodial interrogation, one of the suspects, Omkar, divulged crucial information regarding the storage of additional LSD stamps. He revealed that he had concealed them in the trunk of his motorcycle. Acting on this revelation, the ANS team, under the leadership of Vinayak Gaikwad, discovered an additional 1,250 LSD stamps concealed in the motorcycle’s trunk. 

These additional stamps have an approximate value of ₹62.3 lakh. Addressing the media, Additional CP (crime) Ramnath Pokale stated, “Among the five accused, Gavai is an MBA student, Gaikwad is an IT professional, and Lalwani holds an LLB degree. It has been disclosed that the accused were exploiting a food delivery app to facilitate their drug trafficking activities.” This revelation underscores the need for heightened vigilance and regulation in online platforms to prevent their misuse for illegal purposes. 

The ANS has emphasized its commitment to combating the drug menace and ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. Investigations into the case are ongoing, as the police work to unravel the full extent of the drug network and bring all those involved to justice.