Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Police Seize Rs 12.5 Lakh Codeine Syrup in Dramatic Chase, Arrest Three
In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the police in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar seized a consignment of codeine-based cough syrup valued at approximately Rs 12.5 lakh following a high-speed chase across city roads on Saturday night. The operation resulted in the arrest of three men hailing from Latur district, while the suspected mastermind, identified as Ashfaq Patel, managed to evade capture.
Intensified Anti-Narcotics Drive Under Commissioner's Orders
Authorities revealed that this action forms part of an intensified anti-narcotics campaign launched on the directives of Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar. Crime branch teams were strategically deployed across sensitive locations within the city to monitor and intercept illegal activities.
During a routine check near Cambridge Chowk in the Cantonment area at around 9:20 PM, officers spotted a suspicious vehicle. "When the police personnel signalled the vehicle to stop, the driver accelerated and attempted to escape," Commissioner Pawar stated. "The vehicle was being driven recklessly, and it repeatedly tried to ram police officers, posing a serious threat to the lives of people on the road." He emphasized that firm action would continue against drug traffickers operating in the city.
Dangerous Pursuit and Injuries Sustained
Inspector (Crime) Gajanan Kalyankar detailed that multiple crime branch teams were mobilized to intercept the vehicle at various points. "Despite barricades and clear signals to stop, the driver deliberately attempted to run over police personnel at more than one location," Kalyankar explained. During the intense operation, Police Constable Ganesh Sagare sustained injuries after being struck by the fleeing vehicle.
As the road was blocked ahead, the three occupants abandoned their vehicle and tried to flee after engaging in a scuffle with police personnel. Officers employed mild force to subdue and detain all three accused individuals.
Identification of the Accused and Legal Charges
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Sheikh Samir Rajasaab (24), a resident of Anand Nagar in Latur
- Syed Altaf Wahab (23) of Balajichi Wadi in Udgir taluka, Latur district
- Umar Abdul Sahab Sheikh (36) of Burhanga Nagar, Latur
They have been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the Motor Vehicles Act. A subsequent search led to the recovery of the banned cough syrup.
Recovery and Valuation of the Seized Contraband
Food and Drug Inspector Manoj Paithane, along with a forensic team, were summoned to the scene to conduct a thorough examination. A panchnama was carried out to document the evidence.
Police confiscated 26 khaki-coloured boxes, each containing sealed 100ml bottles of Triprolidine Hydrochloride and Codeine Phosphate syrup. With 120 bottles per box, the total haul amounted to 3,120 bottles. The market value, calculated at Rs 400 per bottle, was estimated at Rs 12,48,800.
Interrogation Insights and Hunt for the Kingpin
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale disclosed that during interrogation, the accused revealed the consignment was sourced from a medical supplier in Latur and was intended for sale in the Shahbazaar area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. "The delivery was meant for Ashfaq Patel, who we suspect is the main operator of this illegal network in the city," Navale stated.
Police confirmed that Patel has absconded and is considered a repeat offender. "Patel was recently arrested in another case involving two country-made firearms and six live cartridges," Navale added. Dedicated teams have been formed to trace him and dismantle the entire supply chain associated with this narcotics operation.
