Navi Mumbai Police have Drug Racket busted an alleged narcotics distribution network operating in and around Panvel, arresting six people and seizing drugs valued at approximately ₹1.5 lakh. Among those arrested is a woman whom police have identified as the alleged mastermind of the racket.
The operation began with a raid near Panvel railway station and gradually led investigators to several other people allegedly connected to the drug supply chain.
Raid Near Panvel Railway Station Leads to First Arrests
According to police, the crackdown began on August 18, when officers raided the Panchsheel Nagar slum area near Panvel railway station.
During the operation, police arrested two local residents, identified as Kabir Salim Shaikh and Vikas alias Vicky Kalappa Gaikwad. Authorities allegedly recovered 510 grams of ganja, estimated to be worth around ₹51,000, from their possession.
The initial arrests opened the door to a wider investigation into what police believe was an organised drug distribution network.
Investigation Leads to Mephedrone Recovery
As the investigation progressed, police arrested another accused, Shakeel Mohammad Ayub Shaikh, from Panvel.
A search of his residence allegedly resulted in the recovery of 3.5 grams of mephedrone, also known as MD, with an estimated value of around ₹1.05 lakh. The recovery took the total value of narcotics seized in the operation to approximately ₹1.5 lakh.
Alleged Mastermind Among Six Arrested
Police later arrested Rani Ravi Joseph, who has been identified as the alleged key figure in the distribution network.
Two other alleged associates, Nitin Ramesh Chauhan alias Nitin Bhaiya and Pradeep Kamalakar Gaikwad, were also taken into custody, bringing the total number of arrests in the case to six.
Search Continues for More Suspects
The investigation is not over yet. Police said they are continuing efforts to trace seven more people who are believed to be linked to the alleged narcotics racket.
Further details regarding the network, including the source of the drugs and the extent of its distribution, are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
The case marks another significant crackdown on alleged drug trafficking in the Navi Mumbai region, with police continuing their efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in the illegal narcotics trade.
