In a major crackdown on the narcotics trade in the city, Mumbai Crime Branch Unit 7 carried out a well-planned operation and arrested two accused from the Parksite area of Vikhroli. The police recovered over 2 kg of charas from their possession, valued at approximately ₹2.03 crore in the illegal market.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Kishor Shedge and Rajesh Gawde. According to a Crime Branch official, the case appears to be linked to a larger drug network. Interrogation of the accused is currently underway to trace further links and identify other individuals involved in the racket.
Police have also seized mobile phones from the accused, which are being examined to gather crucial leads about the network and its operations.
The operation was launched after the Crime Branch received credible information from a reliable informer on March 25 about individuals actively involved in the supply and sale of charas in Mumbai. As per the tip-off, the accused had stored a large quantity of the drug in a rented room in Vikhroli West and were preparing to distribute it in the market.
Taking the input seriously, Senior Police Inspector Atmaji Sawant immediately formed a team and devised a strategy for the raid. The team reached the specified location in the Parksite area and knocked on the door. As soon as the door was opened, police noticed two individuals attempting to leave with plastic bags.
Upon searching them, the police recovered charas from their possession, leading to their immediate arrest.
During preliminary interrogation, accused Kishor Shedge revealed that the seized consignment was supplied to him by Pranay More through Om Kamte. Investigations further revealed that the accused had rented the room just five days prior without any formal agreement.
According to police, the temporary premises were being used to store and distribute narcotics. Efforts are now underway to trace and apprehend the other accused and dismantle the entire drug network.