Nagpur: A recent crackdown on drug trafficking in Nagpur has unveiled the city’s burgeoning Mephedrone (MD) trade, with pubs and lounges emerging as key locations for smuggling and consumption. The arrest of notorious drug peddler Pankaj Sathawane, along with his associate Suraj Gajbhiye, has uncovered a complex web of traffickers who have infiltrated the city’s nightlife.
The investigation has revealed a disturbing link between local police and the traffickers, facilitating the daily sale of MD worth lakhs of rupees. Pankaj’s confessions have exposed the extensive reach of MD traffickers, who employ a network of loyal associates, many of whom are also addicts, to support their operations. These associates often blend in as regular patrons at social venues, discreetly supplying MD to interested buyers.
The rise in MD trade has also sparked concerns about its influence on educational institutions and hostels, with reports of students increasingly falling victim to addiction. Certain institutions have been identified as major targets for MD sales, prompting urgent calls for action to combat this growing menace. The situation highlights the pressing need for a comprehensive strategy to address the spread of drug addiction among youth and dismantle the networks fueling the trade.