04 October,2023 10:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative Image
A drug supplier has been apprehended in suburban Andheri, Mumbai, with a substantial haul of 5.25 kilograms of charas, valued at approximately Rs1.57 crore, according to an official from the Anti Narcotics Cell (ANC).
According to a report in the PTI, the ANC's Kandivali unit conducted a raid on Monday, acting on specific intelligence, and successfully apprehended the drug supplier on Tuesday.
An FIR has been filed against the individual under the relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Further investigations into the matter are currently in progress, as the authorities seek to unravel the intricate details surrounding the drug supply and distribution network, the report further stated.
The Trombay police earlier apprehended two individuals from Uran, for selling charas that had reportedly washed ashore approximately a month ago. The investigation began when a 26-year-old fisherman discovered the narcotics on the shoreline and, after confirming its authenticity with a friend, decided to sell it in the market. The two individuals had arrived in Mankhurd for this purpose. However, they were intercepted by the police with 1.5 kilograms of charas. During questioning regarding the origin of the drugs, the police discovered an additional 6.4 kilograms of charas with an estimated value of Rs 30.22 lakh in the accused's hometown.
In August, the Navi Mumbai Crime Branch arrested a man in his thirties who had arrived with 2 kilograms of charas for sale. Upon being questioned about the source of the drugs, he led the police to Ratnagiri, where he surrendered an additional 8 kilograms of charas. He later disclosed that he had stumbled upon packets of the drug along the seashore. Subsequently, Ratnagiri authorities initiated a search operation along the coastline to locate more such packets.
These packets, some weighing up to 500 kilograms, had washed ashore in locations such as Ratnagiri, Raigad, and Gujarat. According to law enforcement officials, a substantial consignment of narcotics may have accidentally fallen into the water or been intentionally discarded. The packaging bore labels indicating 'Afghan and Pakistan Product.'
A team of police had positioned themselves in Maharashtra Nagar, patiently awaiting developments. Around midnight, their vigilance paid off as they observed an individual arriving on a motorcycle. The person parked the two-wheeler nearby and awaited someone carrying a white bag. Acting on the informer's tip, the police apprehended the individual. He identified himself as Mohammed Nadeem Idris Shah, a 30-year-old resident of Uran. Upon searching him, the officers discovered 1.598 kilograms of charas in his possession.
