Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Crime Branch Cracks Down on Drug Trafficking with Major Bust
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the city crime branch of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar arrested four individuals and confiscated MD drugs with an estimated street value of Rs 10.8 lakh. The meticulously planned trap was executed in the Buddhilane area on Saturday evening, marking a crucial step in the ongoing crackdown on illegal drug activities within the city.
Swift Action Based on Credible Intelligence
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar emphasized that the operation was initiated following reliable intelligence inputs. "Our teams acted promptly on specific information regarding drug trafficking activities in Buddhilane. We are dedicated to dismantling such illicit networks and ensuring stringent legal action against all those involved in the narcotics trade," he stated. This operation underscores the police department's commitment to curbing drug-related crimes and maintaining public safety.
Details of the Operation and Arrests
According to official reports, Sub-Inspector Arjun Kadam received a tip from an informant indicating that Salman Mehmud Sheikh, along with his associates, would be arriving in the area to conduct a drug sale. In response, crime branch teams strategically set up a trap near Nehru Bhavan, specifically in a lane adjacent to Pasha Hotel.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale confirmed that the suspects were apprehended in the act. "The team successfully caught the four accused red-handed while they were allegedly engaged in a drug transaction. During the operation, we recovered MD powder, cash, and mobile phones from their possession," he explained.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Sohel Mehmud Sheikh (24), a resident of Kapda Bazaar in Usmanpura
- Salman Mehmud Sheikh (26), from Kabadipura in Buddhilane
- Abdul Rehman Adnan Hilabi (26), from near Jali Dargah in Kiradpura
- Sheikh Junaid Abdul Rauf (23), from near Roshan Masjid in Kiradpura
Recovery and Investigation Progress
Inspector Gajanan Kalyankar reported that a search of Sohel Sheikh led to the recovery of 49.3 grams of MD powder. "Preliminary investigations have revealed that Salman and his brother Sohel were collaboratively involved in selling the drug. We are currently probing the source of the MD and identifying potential recipients within the city's drug distribution network," he added.
The police are actively pursuing leads to trace one absconding accused and uncover further connections in the local drug distribution chain. An FIR has been officially registered at the City Chowk police station under sections 8(c), 21(b), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Sub-Inspector Budha Shinde is leading the ongoing investigation to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
