Maharashtra Police Crack Down on Organized Drug Network with MCOCA
In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the city police of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar have invoked the stringent provisions of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against a major drug syndicate. The network, allegedly headed by Sheikh Ashpak Sheikh Isak, also known as Patel, was targeted in a major operation that led to the seizure of narcotics, cash, and valuables worth several lakhs of rupees.
Police Commissioner Details Organized Nature of the Operation
Police Commissioner Pravin Pawar emphasized the organized and extensive reach of the drug trade involved. "Given the organized nature of the operation and its extensive reach, prior approval to apply MCOCA was granted on Saturday," he stated. The accused were running a structured drug distribution network spanning multiple districts, highlighting the scale of their illegal activities.
Initial Tip-Off Leads to Major Seizure
The case came to light on January 28 when Crime Branch Sub-Inspector Vinayak Shelke received a crucial tip-off. It indicated that accused Sheikh Kalim Sheikh Sardar and his associates were preparing to move concealed contraband from his residence at Ravindra Colony in Shahabazar. A subsequent raid resulted in the recovery of:
- 53.32 grams of MD (mephedrone) worth Rs 3.19 lakh
- Eight cellphones
- Rs 3.36 lakh in cash
- Gold and silver jewellery
The total value of this seizure amounted to Rs 15.07 lakh, marking a significant blow to the syndicate's operations.
Interrogation Exposes Wider Network and Further Seizures
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Ratnakar Navale revealed that Kalim's interrogation exposed the involvement of gang leader Ashpak and others in the trafficking network. "Further action resulted in the seizure of 756 bottles of codeine phosphate and triprolidine hydrochloride syrup worth Rs 3.02 lakh from the wife of co-accused Avinash Pachunde," he said. During custody, Kalim disclosed that he sourced drugs from several suppliers, including Ashpak, for onward distribution.
In a subsequent search, police found an additional 20.69 grams of MD worth Rs 1.24 lakh hidden inside a sword sheath at Kalim's home, along with the weapon itself, indicating the lengths taken to conceal illegal substances.
Prime Accused Apprehended After Escape Attempt
Inspector (Crime) Gajanan Kalyankar reported that the prime accused, Ashpak, had escaped to Nashik in an attempt to avoid arrest. "Based on precise intelligence, our team traced him to a hotel in the Wadala Naka area and apprehended him," he explained, showcasing the police's determined efforts to bring key figures to justice.
Financial Investigations and Previous Cases
Investigations revealed that Ashpak used the bank account of his associate, Ishrat Akeeb Sheikh, to route drug proceeds, with deposits exceeding Rs 45.20 lakh in the past year. In response, the police have frozen the bank accounts of 14 individuals linked to the syndicate, aiming to cripple their financial operations.
The police noted that cases under the NDPS Act and other laws were previously registered against members of this group at the City Chowk and Jinsi police stations. In earlier operations, over 10,200 bottles of codeine syrup worth Rs 52.74 lakh were seized, underscoring the syndicate's long-standing illegal activities.
Comprehensive Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Fifteen people, including Ashpak, Kalim, Avinash Pachunde, and his wife, have been named in the case. Assistant Commissioner of Police Bhagirathi Pawar is overseeing the investigation, ensuring a thorough probe into all aspects of the syndicate's operations. The application of MCOCA signifies a robust legal approach to dismantle organized crime networks in the region.
