An absconding drug dealer carrying a bounty on his head was among the two people arrested after the Bhopal Crime Branch busted a high-profile drug racket that targeted young people at clubs, gyms and parties, officials said on Saturday.
Two key accused – Saifuddin and Ashu alias Shahrukh — were arrested from Govindpura with over 15 grams of MD drugs and items worth Rs 3 lakh.
The handlers had also hired girls to make it easier for them to trap young victims and deliver drugs, as they were less likely to evoke suspicion.
Once addicted, the victims were drawn further into the network with promises of high-paying jobs and a luxurious lifestyle.
Of the two arrested, Saifuddin was the one who had a Rs 5,000 reward on his head and he had been absconding in connection with other cases for a long time.
Police said the gang operated like a chain marketing system, using one addict to hook others.
Additional DCP Shailendra Singh Chauhan said the arrests were made after a tip-off led police to the suspects near the Sabzi Mandi area.
More arrests are expected as the investigation continues, they added.
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