In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the Vadodara city police have arrested a member of the notorious Kasamala gang and seized narcotics from his possession in a Thursday raid.
Gang Member Nabbed From Hazrat Tekra
The arrested individual has been identified as Shaheed Zakir Shaikh, who was recently released on bail. Police authorities apprehended him from the Hazrat Tekra area of Vadodara following specific intelligence about his criminal activities.
This arrest marks another chapter in Shaikh's ongoing legal troubles. He was among nine members of the Kasamala gang previously arrested under the stringent Gujarat Control of Terrorism and Organized Crime Act (GUJCTOC) when the gang was formally booked in January of this year.
Drug Stash Uncovered During Raid
Acting on a tip-off about narcotics possession, the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) of Vadodara city conducted a raid at Shaikh's residence. During the operation, law enforcement officials recovered 2.8 grams of mephedrone drug from his possession.
According to an official statement released by the DCB, during interrogation, Shaikh confessed to purchasing the drugs from Sajid Patel, a Surat-based supplier. He further admitted to repackaging and reselling the narcotics to customers in Vadodara in smaller quantities.
Police Declare Supplier Wanted
Following Shaikh's revelations during questioning, the Vadodara police have declared Sajid Patel as a wanted accused in the case. Authorities are now actively pursuing Patel, who is believed to be operating from Surat.
The timing of this arrest is particularly significant given that Shaikh had recently been granted temporary bail in the earlier case. This development underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in monitoring known criminals released on bail and their potential return to illegal activities.
The successful operation demonstrates the continued vigilance of Vadodara police against organized crime networks and narcotics trafficking in the region, particularly targeting individuals with established criminal histories who pose ongoing threats to community safety.
