Pune: Police stations along Pune-Nagar Road launched a special drive against drug trafficking and consumption, arresting 13 men since April 1 from Lonikand, Lohegaon, Vimannagar, Chandannagar and Kharadi. The teams seized 289 grams of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 58.18 lakh, along with additional white powder suspected to contain traces of the drug.In a related case, investigators backtracked a racket with links to Rajasthan and arrested six more persons, including two held earlier, taking the total number of accused to 19. Airport police had initially nabbed Pritam Praful Kulkarni (37) of Wadgaon Sheri and Ubed Ansar Khan (27) of Hadapsar from the Kharadi bypass on April 8, recovering MD and an SUV worth Rs 26.72 lakh.Deputy commissioner of police (Zone VII) Somay Munde said the accused sourced drugs for sale at parties and pubs. Those arrested include suppliers as well as consumers, ranging from professionals to unemployed youths and regular partygoers.Man held for growing marijuana in bungalow gardenLohegaon police on Monday evening raided a rented bungalow and seized 43 marijuana plants grown in its garden, arresting a share trader living there. The man, who moved to Pune from Gujarat a few months ago, allegedly crushed plant leaves and stems to sell in packets. Acting on a tip-off, senior Inspector Manisha Patil led the raid. Police said the suspect’s wife is a working professional and legal action is underway.
