Mumbai Crime Branch seizes banned gukta, pan masala worth Rs 12.12 crores, 7 arrested

Pic/Police sources

Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 9 has seized banned gukta and pan masala valued at Rs 12.12 crores and arrested seven people in the case, an official said.

The Mumbai Crime Branch team headed by Daya Nayak, police inspector, unit 9 initially intercepted two trucks and a tempo at DN Nagar jurisdiction, the investigation expanded, leading to the interception of four more trucks near Palghar in the jurisdiction of Kasa Police Station.

"We have seized overall Rs 12.12 crore materials including different type of gukta, pan masala and trucks. We are further investigating where this gukta was brought from. At present the seven arrested accused are drivers who were bringing it from different spots. Investigation is going on to trace the location," said Raj Tilak Roshan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mumbai crime branch.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Raj Tilak Roshan revealed that the banned gukta was found packed in gunny bags, with each truck carrying approximately 30 to 40 such bags.

The arrested individuals, identified as Ibrahim Inamdar (30), Santosh Kumar Singh (25), Kamil Khan (30), Hiralal Mandal (52), Nasir Yalgar (40), Jamir Sayed (32), and Sanjay Kharat (34), are drivers involved in transporting the banned substances.

A case has been registered under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Food and Drugs Act.

In another case, Mumbai Police seized drugs worth Rs 1.18 crore and arrested two persons on Thursday, reported news agency ANI.

Also read: Mumbai cops bust BHMS dropout's drug lab in Kandivali slum

The Mumbai Police on Thursday arrested two suspects and seized 503 grams of MD drugs worth Rs 1.18 crore from a drug factory in the Lalji Pada slum area of the city. The factory was producing drugs using confiscated chemicals and other materials, the police said.

After Mumbai Police seized drugs, a 24-year-old chemical scientist, identified as Noor Alam Mahboob Alam Chaudhary, was also arrested in connection with the matter, an officer said, adding that he is believed to be mastermind behind the chemical production.

Another suspect, identified as 30-year-old Abrar Ibrahim Shaikh, was also arrested for drug possession, the police said. (With additional reporting from ANI)