Police identify drug suppliers to architect, IT professional at FC Road pub

“In the search conducted at Thombre’s house in Mumbai, we have recovered some quantities of hash, which he had kept at home for consumption. On Wednesday, we invoked the NDPS (Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act in the case,” the police officer said. He also said that two persons were identified in supplying drugs and that further investigation was on.

On Monday, a day after the Liquid Leisure Lounge pub was found operating way past the stipulated time period, 14 people linked to it were arrested—eight by the Pune city police and six more by the excise department—on charges of alleged illegal operations including organising an illegal party which was attended by dozens of people.

The police had also collected samples from the pub to identify the drugs consumed on the premises. The pub has been sealed by the State Excise Department on Sunday for violations of various rules and norms related to serving liquor.

The crackdown by the police and state Excise department was prompted after videos of alleged drug use at the pub and also that of the establishment operating way past time limit were circulated on social media.

It later came to light the pub was open till 5 am on Sunday as against the time limit of 1.30 am. Four cops — a police inspector, an assistant inspector who were on night rounds and constables who were on the patrolling duty in the Shivajinagar police jurisdiction were placed under suspension for dereliction of duties.

Meanwhile, police had on Tuesday filed another offence under the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, against the owner, manager of Liquid Leisure Lounge for alleged unauthorised construction and illegal use of space.