India, Dec. 19 -- With New Year's Eve celebrations coming up and security on high alert in Panchgani, police have intensified checks in the popular hill station, leading to a big narcotics haul for which the local crime branch on Thursday detained 10 persons near the Ghatjai temple. The accused were nabbed while allegedly transporting a cocaine-like substance. Police seized drugs valued at around Rs.5 lakh along with mobile phones and luxury cars, taking the total value of the seized material to Rs.42.85 lakh.

The operation was carried out on the heels of a raid at Savari in Satara district, raising concerns among investigators about the possible emergence of a drug distribution network in the region. Police officers said the suspects ha...