Candyman, who sold drug-laced gutkha, in police net

His product found a clientele across demographics. From IT professionals to blue-collared workers - many patronised the cannabis-laced gutkha and churan supplied by Lalchand Arjundas Ramnani. In a major drug haul on Tuesday night, the Anti-narcotics Cell of the Crime Branch seized 390 kilograms of contraband worth around Rs 31 lakh, and arrested Ramnani. The 51-year-old was a resident of Pimpri Camp.

"Ramnani had procured the substances from Madhya Pradesh. He is originally from Pimpri, and is believed to be a trustee of the Lalbahadur Shastri Dharmashala. He was the main supplier, and had a range of clients, varying from IT professionals to labourers. He had no police record before his arrest on Tuesday night," said inspector Sunil Tambe.

Full dope: Police arrested Lalchand Arjundas Ramnani (blue t-shirt) and seized 390 kg of illegal substances worth Rs 31 lakh from his possession on Tuesday night. Pic/Krunal Gosavi

"The narcotics were consumed by youths and blue-collared workers at construction sites, who usually work late in the night. This recovery in the raid has been one of the biggest in recent times. A total of seven similar cases have been registered this year and 13 cases were lodged last year," added Tambe.

Mix ‘n' match: Lalchand Ramnani (in blue t-shirt) is originally from Pimpri, and is believed to be a trustee of the Lalbahadur Shastri Dharmashala. (Right) A cop displays the sachets containing the blend of gutkha and cannabis. Pics/Krunal Gosavi

Drug busts in 2013
>> Cocaine - 2 cases - 5 arrested
>> Ganja - 34 cases - 62 arrested
>> Brown sugar - 8 cases - 13 arrested
>> Charas - 7 cases - 6 arrested

390 kg Amount of contraband seized from the accusedu00a0