Ambarnath police have carried out a major operation against narcotics trafficking, seizing drugs valued at nearly ₹4.25 crore and arresting two individuals, including a 19-year-old youth. The action was part of an intensified effort by authorities to curb the illegal drug trade in the region. Following their arrest, the two accused were produced before a local court, which ordered that they be kept in police custody until March 16 to facilitate further questioning and investigation. Officials stated that the seizure is considered significant due to the large quantity of narcotics recovered and the possible links of the accused to a wider distribution network.
According to police officials, the raid was conducted in the Chinchpada locality of Ambarnath West after officers received specific intelligence about narcotics being stored in the area. Acting promptly on the information, a police team carried out a search operation at a flat located in Mohan Nano Society. During the raid, officers detained the suspects and recovered a substantial quantity of banned substances from the premises. The swift action by the police helped prevent the suspected distribution of the narcotics. Authorities believe the apartment was being used as a temporary base to store drugs before they were supplied elsewhere.
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The youth arrested in the case has been identified as Harshal Patel, aged 19. Police recovered approximately 5.3 kilograms of charas from his possession during the operation. Officials said the seized contraband is estimated to have a value of nearly ₹4.25 crore in the international illegal drug market. Another suspect, identified as Siraj, who was allegedly residing with Patel in the same flat, was also taken into custody. Both accused were produced before the court soon after their arrest. The court subsequently remanded them to police custody until March 16 to allow investigators to conduct detailed questioning.
Senior Police Inspector Shabbir Sayyed told The Free Press Journal that Harshal Patel had been staying in the apartment with Siraj when the police carried out the raid. “At present, the police are investigating where the consignment came from and to whom it was meant to be supplied,” he said. Investigators are now focusing on identifying the origin of the seized narcotics as well as tracing the supply route. Officials believe that understanding the source and intended recipients of the drugs will help uncover the broader network involved in the trafficking operation.
Patel reportedly has connections in Gujarat and had moved to Ambarnath nearly one and a half months ago. Police suspect that the seized narcotics may have been transported from Gujarat, although the exact details about the origin are still under verification, reported FPJ, citing sources associated with the investigation. Investigators are also examining whether the accused were acting independently or were part of a larger organised drug syndicate. Efforts are underway to gather more evidence and track possible associates who may be involved in supplying or distributing the contraband in the region.
The operation was initiated after police constable Chavan received crucial information from a confidential informant regarding illegal drug storage in the area. Acting quickly on the input, a team led by Senior Inspector Sayyed conducted the raid and seized the contraband from the flat. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Gore confirmed that 5.3 kilograms of charas were recovered during the operation. The significant seizure has drawn attention in Ambarnath, where drug-related incidents have surfaced from time to time. Police are now working to identify other individuals connected to the supply chain and dismantle the network behind the illegal trade.