Mumbai: Nine held, drugs worth Rs 71 lakh and Rs 17.89 lakh cash seized

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In a major breakthrough, the Mumbai Crime Branch has successfully dismantled an interstate drug syndicate involved in the illicit trade of narcotics. The operation has led to the arrest of nine individuals, including a female suspect. The seized contraband, valued at Rs 1.19 crore, encompasses a cache of drugs, cash, and vehicles, accentuating the extent of the criminal enterprise.

Three of the apprehended suspects were already on police records, prompting ongoing surveillance efforts. Unit 06 of the Mumbai Crime Branch executed the operation, confiscating drugs valued at Rs 71.39 lakh, along with cash amounting to Rs 17.89 lakh. Additionally, three vehicles with a combined value of Rs 26.60 lakh were confiscated in a resolute move against the drug trade.

The suspects, hailing from different corners of the region, were apprehended while transporting drugs from Nagpur to Mumbai in two vehicles. Notably, the syndicate's ringleader, 27-year-old Sarfaraz Shabir Ali, known by the alias "Golden Bhura," was arrested during the operation. Golden Bhura, harboring aspirations reminiscent of the infamous Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar, had even been generating videos to further his ambitions.

Among the detained individuals is 24-year-old Sana Khan, alias Priyanka Ashok Karkaur, who was apprehended as a member of the gang. Investigations revealed Sana's connection to Golden Bhura, and two Aadhaar cards bearing her name were recovered. Hailing from Rajasthan, Sana was discovered to be the girlfriend of the gang's mastermind.

The remaining members of the syndicate are Sahil Khan (27), Mohd Ajmal Shaikh (45), Shamshuddin Shah (22), Imran Pathan (37), Tausif Mantri (27), Ismail Siddiqui (27), and Raees Qureshi. A history of criminal cases resides against Khan and Shaikh, scattered across multiple police stations in Mumbai.

The syndicate's modus operandi entailed procuring drugs from neighboring states and subsequently distributing them across various suburbs of Mumbai. Notably, a sum of Rs 17.89 lakh in cash was seized from the suspects, marking proceeds from their drug dealings. The investigation further yielded the recovery of 350 grams of MD drugs and 45 grams of charas from the apprehended individuals.

"This elusive gang had evaded the authorities by avoiding joint appearances. A month-long surveillance operation culminated in a meticulously planned apprehension at Mulund Check naka, based on a tip about drug transportation. The syndicate's illicit activities encompassed the distribution of drugs in Mumbai's suburbs, tarnishing the city's safety and well-being." Said Raj Tilak Roushan, DCP Crime Branch.