Pune: MD Drug Racket Busted In Hinjawadi, Two Arrested; Contraband Worth ₹27.55 Lakh Seized

Pune: The Detection Branch (DB) of Hinjawadi Police Station (under the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate) has arrested two individuals involved in possession and sale of Mephedrone (MD) drugs in the Pune District. The police seized drugs and property worth Rs 27.55 lakh in the operation, officials announced on Thursday.

According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 2) Vishal Gaikwad, the action was taken on 24th March 2026, following a tip-off received during routine patrolling in the Hinjawadi area. Assistant Police Inspector Somnath Panchal and his team were on patrol when they got information about a person arriving in Wakad to sell MD drugs.

Based on the input, the police laid a trap near Vinode Wasti in Wakad. A suspect, identified as Atul Shankar Balgude, aged 35 and a resident of Pathargaon in Maval tehsil, was detained. During the search, police recovered 42 grams of MD drugs worth Rs 4.20 lakh. A four-wheeler and other items worth Rs 3.24 lakh were also seized.

A case was registered at Hinjawadi Police Station under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act), and the accused was arrested.

During further investigation, police arrested Balgude’s accomplice, Shahrukh alias Saddam Iqbal Ansari from Govandi in Mumbai. He was found with 200 grams of MD drugs worth Rs 20 lakh.

Police officials said the operation was carried out under the guidance of senior officers of Pimpri-Chinchwad Police including DCP Vishal Gaikwad and ACP (Hinjawadi Division) Balasaheb Kopner. Further investigation is underway to identify the wider network involved in the drug trade.

Senior Police Inspector Balaji Pandhare, who is in charge of the Hinjawadi Police Station and Police Inspector (Crime) Rushikesh Ghadage led the DB.