Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Jabalpur, Jun 6: Police in Jabalpur have uncovered a drug trafficking network involving medical representatives, seizing 6,600 intoxicating injections and arresting six people in a major crackdown, officials said on Saturday.
The operation was launched after Belbagh police station received intelligence about a large consignment of illegal injections transported from Uttar Pradesh to Jabalpur via Rewa, Satna and Katni by bus.
Acting on the tip-off, a police team led by senior officers intercepted suspects near Ramlila Ground, where they arrested Durga Patel (46) after he attempted to flee from an e-rickshaw. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 3,200 injections, including Avil and Talgesic vials, estimated to be worth tens of thousands of rupees.
During interrogation, Patel allegedly revealed links to Mohammad Arif and Amjad Khan, prompting police to raid locations in Bhantalaiya Badhai Mohalla Road and arrest both individuals.
Further investigation led to the arrest of two medical representatives, Sayyad Ashraf Ali and Saurabh Namdev, who are suspected of being part of the supply chain. Police said Namdev sourced the injections from Uttar Pradesh, which were then distributed locally through intermediaries.
A separate raid by Adhartal police resulted in the arrest of Gitanshu Sahu, who was found carrying 3,400 additional injections packed in sacks. The recovered substances included large quantities of Avil and Buprenorphine-based injections.
According to police, the accused allegedly mixed different injectable drugs and sold them illegally to addicts for prices ranging between ?300 and ?500 per dose. Investigators also confirmed that medical representatives were actively involved in the network.
Authorities said one of the key suppliers, Saurabh Sonkar, remains absconding, and efforts are underway to trace him.
Police have seized multiple mobile phones and an e-rickshaw used in the operation. Cases have been registered under the NDPS Act and the Madhya Pradesh Drugs Control Act, and further investigation is ongoing to dismantle the wider network.