In a significant operation, the Anti Narcotics Cell of Navi Mumbai police successfully apprehended six individuals involved in the illicit drug trade, seizing a substantial quantity of mephedrone with an estimated value of Rs 6 crore.
The operation unfolded on December 3 when the Anti Narcotics Cell acted on a credible tip-off, leading to the initial arrest of one individual from Shirdon village along the Mumbai-Goa highway, as revealed by Senior Inspector Neeraj Chowdhari.
Following the primary arrest, the investigation extended to Badlapur and Khalapur, resulting in the apprehension of three more individuals. A subsequent search was conducted at a factory and a farmhouse located in Dekhu and Umbare in Khalapur, where mephedrone manufacturing activities were uncovered.
A staggering 5.3 kg of mephedrone, valued at Rs 5.39 crore, along with 330 liters of chemicals amounting to Rs 45 lakh, were seized from the manufacturing sites. The arrested individuals were identified as Sadab Sayeed Sayyed, Sohel Munnawar Ali Lambe, Vazhul Vafa Chowdhari, Saifulla Shaikh, Mohsin Ansari, and Siddha Pal.
The investigation revealed that the drug manufacturing operation was allegedly intended to cater to the demand during New Year parties. Notably, Vazhul Vafa Chowdhari had a prior criminal record, having spent 16 years in jail for a previous Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) case. Saifulla Shaikh, another arrested individual, also had a history of criminal activities. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act has been registered at Panvel Town police station. The swift and successful operation by the Anti Narcotics Cell underscores the ongoing efforts to curb the illegal drug trade in the region, with a focus on dismantling manufacturing units and preventing narcotics from reaching the market.
