Sex Workers Help Pune Police Burst Drug Trafficking Network

The Pune Police crime branch has uncovered a complex drug trafficking operation involving sex workers. During a recent drug bust, two traffickers were apprehended, revealing a network where sex workers were used to distribute psychotropic substances. This discovery has added complexity to the ongoing battle against the city's growing drug problem.

Drug Seizure and Arrests

The Anti Extortion Cell-2 and Anti Narcotics Cell-2 seized Mephedrone (MD) valued at Rs. 14.60 lakh from Boby Bhagwat Surwase and Tosim alias Laddu Khan. These individuals frequented Budhwar Peth's red-light district, using sex workers to sell drugs. The police also uncovered a murder plot after finding a country-made pistol and ammunition with the suspects.

Surwase and Khan are known offenders who supply drugs to students and partygoers. A tip-off led the Anti Narcotics Cell to monitor them closely, resulting in their arrest with drugs and weapons. Their lavish lifestyle had drawn attention from both friends and informers, prompting further investigation.

Connection to Notorious Gangster

Police revealed that Surwase and Khan work for a gangster imprisoned in Yerwada Central Jail. They carried a pistol intending to settle scores with an adversary. During questioning, it emerged that they regularly supplied MD from a Kondhwa dealer to sex workers, who sold it for Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 3,000 per gram.

Inspector Vijay Kumbhar stated, "We seized MD worth Rs. 14.60 lakh from the accused. It was also revealed that they had given the drug to several sex workers in the red-light area." The investigation is ongoing as authorities delve deeper into this racket.

Challenges for Law Enforcement

The involvement of sex workers as drug dealers presents significant challenges for Pune Police, given there are over 2,000 sex workers in the area. An FIR has been filed at Faraskhana police station, and the court has granted custody of the accused until Tuesday.

The operation was led by Additional Commissioner of Police Shailesh Balkawde, Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Pingle, and Assistant Commissioner Rajendra Mulik. The team included Inspectors Vijay Kumbhar and Sudarshan Gaikwad, along with other officers.

The use of sex workers in drug distribution complicates efforts to combat narcotics in Pune's red-light district. Authorities continue their investigation into this intricate network while addressing broader issues within the community.