In a significant crackdown on narcotics smuggling, the Property Cell of Thane Crime Branch has dismantled a major interstate drug trafficking network. The operation led to the arrest of one individual and the massive seizure of 638 kilograms of ganja (cannabis), with an estimated street value exceeding ₹2 crore.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Interception
Acting on precise intelligence received by Police Constable Jaykar Jadhav, a specialized team from the Property Cell swung into action last week. They strategically intercepted a white SUV moving towards the Kalwa area, near the Kharegaon toll plaza. Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered the interior was completely crammed with contraband, leaving almost no free space.
Arrest and Seizure Details
The police arrested the driver, identified as Chinna Tagur Lakshman Nayak (36), a resident of Mehbubnagar district in Telangana. Along with the narcotics, authorities also confiscated the SUV used in the smuggling attempt, valued at approximately ₹10 lakh. The total haul of ganja is pegged at around 638 kilograms, worth ₹2.04 crore in the illicit market.
A senior police officer revealed a key modus operandi of the accused. "The accused and his associates reportedly activated fresh mobile phones and SIM cards just 10 days prior to the operation to bypass electronic surveillance and tracking," the officer stated.
Widening Probe and Legal Action
While initial investigations pointed towards Odisha and Telangana as the source of the consignment, deeper probes now suggest the drug supply chain extends into Andhra Pradesh. The police have registered a case at the Kalwa police station under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, including Sections 8(c), 20(b), and 29.
The arrested suspect, Nayak, was presented before a local court, which has remanded him to police custody until January 3 for further interrogation. The operation was conducted under the supervision of Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Punjabrao Ugale.
Despite this successful interception, senior officers acknowledged that several links in the supply chain remain untraceable. The police are now intensifying efforts to identify the kingpins controlling the drug source and the intended local distributors within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR).
