In a major crackdown against drug trafficking in Mumbai, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has achieved a significant success by detaining notorious drug trafficker Niyaz Shabbir Khan (39) under the NDPS Act. Khan has been detained for a period of one year and lodged at Nagpur Central Jail. The detention order was executed on January 22, 2026. This marks the second major preventive action by the ANC in the last two days. Earlier, on January 22, 2026, another accused known as “Charsi Baba” was shifted to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Central Jail.
The accused was earlier arrested by the Kandivli unit of the ANC under Sections 8(c) read with 20(b) of the NDPS Act, 1985, for trafficking in dangerous narcotic substances such as MD (Mephedrone). Investigations revealed that Niyaz Shabbir Khan is a habitual offender, with as many as nine criminal cases registered against him—four under the NDPS Act and five under the Indian Penal Code.
According to police records, Khan was out on bail in three of the four NDPS cases registered against him. However, he allegedly misused the bail and resumed his involvement in the illegal drug trade, posing a serious threat to society. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Worli unit of the ANC submitted a proposal to detain the accused to the Maharashtra Home Department through the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Brihanmumbai. Following approval by the Principal Secretary (Special), Home Department, the detention order was duly enforced and the accused was taken into custody.
Police said that Niyaz Shabbir Khan has been actively involved in drug trafficking networks in the Arthur Road and Jacob Circle areas for a long time. Several serious criminal cases are registered against him at various police stations, including Wadala, Sewri, CB Control, and ANC units at Azad Maidan and Worli. These cases include offences such as theft, cheating, assault on government servants, and narcotics trafficking.
Senior police officials stated that the action taken under the PIT-NDPS provisions is a strong and effective step towards dismantling drug networks in Mumbai. The detention is expected to curb the accused’s illegal activities and send a strong deterrent message to other drug traffickers operating in the city.