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Dhaba Owner Arrested in Pune for Marijuana Trafficking Amid Supply Issues
Pune police arrested a dhaba owner and three associates from Solapur district for possessing marijuana valued at Rs 20 lakh. The owner reportedly turned to drug sales after experiencing difficulties obtaining cooking gas for his business.
On March 13, Pune police apprehended a roadside eatery owner from Solapur district, along with three associates, for possessing marijuana. Police officials indicated that the owner allegedly began trafficking drugs due to challenges in securing cooking gas for his establishment. The arrests took place on Kesnand-Wadebolhai Road, where authorities recovered 58.5kg of marijuana from their vehicle. The following day, law enforcement conducted further operations in the Solapur district and nearby areas, leading to the seizure of an additional 14kg of the substance. According to officers, the confiscated narcotics were inspected over two days and confirmed to be of high quality. The individuals arrested were identified as Bhiwa Kalidas Waghmode (36), Vishnu Bhagwat Waghmode (28), Hari Shripati Dhawale (32), and Manoj Anil Surwase (29), all residing in Solapur district. Crime branch personnel stated that Mr. Waghmode and his associates had travelled to Pune with the intention of selling the illicit goods.
Key Facts
- A dhaba owner and three accomplices were arrested by Pune police in connection with marijuana possession.
- The arrests occurred on March 13 on Kesnand-Wadebolhai Road.
- Police initially seized 58.5kg of marijuana from the suspects' vehicle.
- Additional raids in the Solapur district and surrounding areas yielded another 14kg of marijuana.
- The total value of the confiscated marijuana is estimated at Rs 20 lakh.
- The dhaba owner reportedly engaged in drug trafficking after encountering difficulties in sourcing cooking gas for his business.
- The arrested individuals were identified as Bhiwa Kalidas Waghmode, Vishnu Bhagwat Waghmode, Hari Shripati Dhawale, and Manoj Anil Surwase.
- A team led by Senior Inspector Santosh Sonawane and Assistant Inspector Madan Kamble carried out the operation.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- The Times of India — Pune dhaba owner turns to drug trade over LPG crisis, nabbed | Pune News - The Times of India