Nagpur Crime Branch Cracks Down on Family-Linked Ganja Smuggling Racket
In a significant breakthrough, the Nagpur Crime Branch team successfully dismantled a family-linked ganja smuggling operation, seizing a massive 85 kilograms of marijuana valued at over Rs49 lakh. The raid took place late on Sunday night at an under-construction building located in the Jaripatka area, marking a crucial step in the fight against narcotics trafficking in the region.
Tip-Off Leads to Major Raid and Seizure
Acting on a precise tip-off received by head constable Ajay Patil, senior inspector Mahesh Sagade led his team in a targeted operation. They raided a room on the first floor of a building in Nirmal Colony on Nara Road. During the search, authorities recovered nine bags containing the 85kg of ganja, along with three mobile phones, a weighing scale, and three four-wheelers, including a mini truck, a car, and another vehicle. These items are believed to have been used in the buying and selling of the narcotics.
Arrests and Interrogation Reveal Network Details
The arrested individuals have been identified as Firoz Khan Sardar Khan, aged 49, and his brother-in-law Mohammad Shakeel, aged 55, both residents of Kundanlal Gupta Nagar in Yashodhara Nagar. Firoz, who also worked as a grain merchant, had a prior arrest record with the Pachpaoli police station just a few days earlier. Shakeel is employed as a plumber. During interrogation, the duo confessed to purchasing the large consignment from their accomplice Harpit Singh, also known as Happy, a resident of Kapil Nagar. Notably, Happy was arrested a few days ago in connection with a separate case.
Storage and Operations Uncovered
Khan and Shakeel admitted to storing the ganja in the under-construction house and utilizing the seized vehicles for their drug trafficking activities. A formal case has been registered against both accused at the Jaripatka Police Station under Sections 8(a), 20(b)(ii)(c), and 29 of the NDPS Act. They have been arrested and handed over to the Jaripatka police for further legal proceedings.
Ongoing Investigation to Uncover Broader Network
Further investigation is currently underway to uncover the entire drug network and identify any additional individuals involved in this smuggling racket. Authorities are determined to trace the supply chain and dismantle any linked operations to prevent future incidents of drug trafficking in Nagpur.
