Pune police have successfully dismantled an international drug trafficking network with the arrest of five individuals and the seizure of narcotics worth Rs 3.45 crore. The operation was carried out over the course of a month, with the accused arrested from various cities, including Pune, Mumbai, Goa, and Guwahati. The arrested individuals are alleged to be involved in a large-scale drug distribution ring that operates between India and neighboring countries like Thailand and Bhutan.
The investigation, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Somay Munde, revealed that the network was using the dark web and cryptocurrency for transactions. The seized drugs included mephedrone, opium, OG-Kush hydroponic weed, LSD strips, and other narcotic substances. The operation also uncovered a sophisticated system of smuggling, with drugs being imported from Thailand and Bhutan into India, then transported to Assam and finally to Pune through courier services.
Arrests and Seizures from Multiple Locations
The investigation began with the arrest of Tushar Chetan Verma, a 21-year-old IT professional, who was initially caught during routine police patrols. His arrest led to further inquiries, which eventually uncovered a larger drug operation.
Verma was allegedly using a flat in Pimpri-Chinchwad to cultivate OG-Kush hydroponic weed. Following his arrest, police apprehended four other individuals: Sumit Santosh Dedwal (25), Akshay Sukhlal Maher (25), Malay Rajesh Deliwala (28), and Swaraj Anant Bhosale (28).
The police raid resulted in the seizure of various drugs, including 243.99 grams of MD, 1.11 kilograms of opium, and 82 grams of OG-Kush cannabis. The total value of the drugs seized was estimated at over Rs 1.06 crore. In addition, the police froze Rs 7.80 lakh in bank accounts, cryptocurrency wallets, and foreign currency connected to the arrested individuals.
Dark Web and Cryptocurrency Transactions Exposed
A key aspect of the operation was the use of the dark web and cryptocurrency for illicit transactions. According to DCP Somay Munde, the network used the dark web to facilitate the import of drugs like OG-Kush ganja, psychedelic mushrooms, LSD, and MDMA. Cryptocurrency was used for payments, with funds being transferred through untraceable digital wallets.
This highlights the growing use of technology and digital currencies in illegal activities. The police’s ability to track and seize crypto wallets is a significant part of the ongoing investigation.
The use of cryptocurrency and dark web networks made it harder for law enforcement to track the flow of goods, but the police’s thorough investigation led to the identification and apprehension of the suspects.
Ongoing Investigation and International Connections
The authorities are continuing their investigation and have identified five more individuals involved in the operation. Three of these suspects are foreign nationals, with potential connections to drug syndicates operating in Thailand and Bhutan. Police are working with international law enforcement agencies to track down these individuals and dismantle the broader network.
The investigation has shed light on the extent of international drug trafficking using modern technology and methods. It also demonstrates the increasing role of cryptocurrency in facilitating such crimes. As the case develops, authorities are focusing on preventing future trafficking attempts and taking legal action against the network’s global operations.
In addition to the immediate arrests, the police are also working to identify other members of the network who may still be operating under the radar. This bust serves as a reminder of the challenges law enforcement faces in combating international drug trafficking, especially when technology and digital currencies are used to conceal illegal activities.
