The Indore Crime Branch successfully arrested a suspected drug trafficker on Friday, seizing over 105 grams of brown sugar valued at approximately ₹11 lakh in the international market. According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rajesh Dandiya, this operation followed a series of intelligence-driven surveillances across various locations in Indore.

During the operation, law enforcement officers noticed a man acting suspiciously near MR-4 Road by Rajkumar vegetable market. The suspect attempted to flee upon noticing the police presence, but officers were able to quickly detain him. Upon questioning, the man identified himself as 27-year-old Shadab Khan, a resident of Mahavir Colony, close to Maulana Poultry Farm in Jaora, Ratlam.

After conducting a thorough search, officers discovered a hidden package of brown sugar, weighing around 105.16 grams, inside a mobile phone box that Khan was carrying. When asked about the substance, Khan was unable to provide any plausible explanation. Consequently, the police confiscated the brown sugar and filed charges against Khan under Section 8/21 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Khan is currently being investigated for his possible involvement in the narcotics trade, including any related buying and selling activities, his role within the supply chain, and potential connections with other traffickers.

In a separate incident, the police apprehended another individual involved in the illegal transportation of cannabis. Acting on a tip-off, officers identified a man fitting the description of a suspect near the main gate of Royal Town Colony on Bhatkhedi Mhow-Pithampur Road. The incident took place on Thursday.

When police confronted the man, he identified himself as Sunny, a 24-year-old resident of 2081 Raj Mohalla, Mhow. Following a search, officers discovered that he was carrying 1.8 kilograms of cannabis. Subsequently, the police registered a case (crime number 838/2024) against him under Section 8/20 of the NDPS Act.

During preliminary questioning, Sunny disclosed that he had acquired the cannabis from two individuals known as Mukesh, alias Chatpati, and Pawan Verma, both of whom are also residents of Mhow. At present, Mukesh and Pawan remain at large, and the police are continuing efforts to locate and apprehend them.

The recent arrests are part of a larger initiative by the Indore Crime Branch to curb the proliferation of narcotics in the region. The department’s proactive approach, including increased surveillance and intelligence gathering, has been effective in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in the illegal drug trade. These cases underscore the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug trafficking within the area, where demand for various narcotics, including brown sugar and cannabis, remains high.

The police have stated that they will continue to investigate these cases to uncover the full extent of these drug networks. Both arrested individuals are being questioned about their contacts and any associates linked to the drug trade. Law enforcement officials have expressed their commitment to dismantling these networks and preventing further proliferation of narcotics within the community.

Additional DCP Dandiya emphasized the Crime Branch’s dedication to maintaining a drug-free environment in Indore. “Our officers are working tirelessly to apprehend traffickers and dismantle illegal drug networks,” he said, noting the importance of community cooperation in providing tip-offs and information that can assist in investigations.

The success of these arrests underscores the Crime Branch’s reliance on both intelligence-led policing and community support to address the regional drug problem. By targeting both small-scale dealers and larger distribution networks, the Indore police aim to address the root causes and distribution channels of narcotics, ultimately creating a safer environment for residents.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)