Pune Police Bust Hidden Drug Ring Involving Sex Workers
Pune : Pune Police have recently uncovered a hidden drug trafficking network operating within the city’s red-light area. The network, which utilized sex workers to distribute illicit substances, was dismantled following a successful operation by the Anti Extortion Cell-2 and Anti Narcotics Cell-2.
Two individuals, identified as Boby Bhagwat Surwase (28) and Tosim alias Laddu Khan (32), were arrested in connection with the operation. Authorities seized a significant quantity of Mephedrone (MD), valued at Rs. 14.60 lakh, from the duo.
Investigations revealed that Surwase and Khan were frequent visitors to the Budhwar Peth red-light area, where they would distribute MD to sex workers. These individuals, in turn, would sell the drug to customers. The police suspect that a considerable number of sex workers were involved in this illicit operation.
Beyond drug trafficking, the arrested individuals were also linked to a potential murder plot. Law enforcement recovered a country-made pistol, ammunition, and a magazine during the raid.
Surwase and Khan, known for their lavish lifestyle, had garnered attention from both their associates and police informants. Their recent purchase of a motorcycle and subsequent visit to a nearby temple provided an opportunity for the police to apprehend them.
It has been determined that the duo was working under the direction of a notorious gangster currently incarcerated at Yerwada Central Jail. The pistol was allegedly intended to target an individual with whom they had a longstanding feud.
The investigation has also unveiled the intricate role of sex workers in the drug distribution network. The accused purchased MD from a supplier in Kondhwa and regularly distributed it to sex workers, who would then sell it at a significant markup.
Police Inspector Vijay Kumbhar, speaking to a local news outlet, confirmed the seizure of the drugs and the involvement of sex workers in the operation. He stated that some of the women were using the drugs personally, while others were selling them to clients visiting the brothels. The police are currently delving deeper into the matter to uncover the full extent of the network.
The exploitation of sex workers in this manner presents a significant challenge for law enforcement. With over 2,000 sex workers residing in the red-light area, the potential for such criminal activities is considerable.
An FIR has been registered at the Faraskhana police station, and the court has granted police custody of the accused until Tuesday. The operation was carried out under the supervision of senior police officials, including Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Shailesh Balkawde, Deputy Commissioner of Police Nikhil Pingle, and Assistant Commissioner of Police Rajendra Mulik.
