Nagpur: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Nagpur Rural Police have arrested multiple accused, including the BJP Katol Gramin Mandal Yuva Morcha President, for allegedly operating a large-scale ganja (marijuana) supply network. Police seized 33 kg of high-quality ganja worth Rs 6.72 lakh, exposing what appears to be a well-organised interstate smuggling racket.
The operation, conducted by the Anti-Narcotics Cell, was launched after police received an intelligence tip-off that Sameer Vijayrao Raut (24) of Datewadi, Narkhed, had rented a room in Chandak Layout, Ward No. 7, near Ganesh Mandir in Katol, where the illegal stock was being secretly stored. When the police raiding team reached the house owned by Rameshrao Gajbhiye, they found Sameer Raut along with Sachin Bhagwat Jhod (22) of Dorli village and Chhagan Pritam Charpe (23) of Datewadi.
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26 Oct 2025
A large haul of ganja was recovered during the search. Under sustained interrogation, the accused revealed that the procurement was financed and facilitated by Yuva Morcha President Vaibhav Dilip Kale of Dorli, who allegedly helped arrange funds to transport the narcotics from Bolangir, Odisha, in a Mahindra Bolero pickup (MH-40/DC-0093). The accused also disclosed details of additional accomplices involved in the smuggling chain.
The others named include Suraj Babarao Supatkar of Datewadi and Vishal Devidas Shebhenkar of Mendhala in Narkhed. Police seized three mobile phones, the Bolero vehicle, and other incriminating material, bringing the total value of seized property to Rs 17.17 lakh.
A case has been registered under relevant sections of the NDPS Act, including Sections 8, 20, 22, and 29. Police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected.
The action was carried out under the supervision of Superintendent of Police Dr. Harssh Poddar, who has warned that the police will continue to dismantle drug networks operating in rural areas.
