The Kalyan DCP zone-III squad has dismantled a major narcotics network worth over Rs 34 crore, arresting five individuals, including the alleged kingpin who was previously externed from Thane and out on bail in a murder case. Police described this as one of the largest drug seizures in the Thane region in recent times.
Details of the Operation
According to officials, three brothers—Amjad, Barkat, and Rehmat Pathan—operated a large-scale interstate drug trafficking network from Kalyan through their 'Pathan gang'. The syndicate has supply links across India and potential international connections. Amjad, who faces MCOCA charges in a 2020 case involving the murder of an alleged matka operator, was released on bail two years ago and moved to Nashik after being externed.
Last month, a team led by zone-III DCP Atul Zende and assistant police inspector Anil Gaikwad apprehended two suspects—Qasim Sattar Vasaikar (38) and Krishna Naggappa Halemadi (36)—in Kalyan's Sanglewadi area. They were found carrying two bags containing over 9 kg of heroin valued at approximately Rs 32.3 crore. Subsequent searches led to the recovery of an additional 532 grams of heroin worth nearly Rs 2 crore from Vasaikar's residence in Shahapur, Thane.
Interrogation and Further Arrests
Additional Commissioner of Police Sanjay Jadhav stated that interrogation of the suspects revealed the involvement of another gang member, Saddam Sheikh (32), from Kalyan. The suspects disclosed that Amjad had instructed them to deliver the drugs to Ganeshan Jangmar alias Anna (71), a resident of Sion. DCP Zende confirmed that Amjad was arrested last week.
Police are now investigating the gang's interstate supply chain, financial transactions, and alleged foreign links. Officials revealed that Amjad has been named in 20 criminal cases across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, including three for murder and multiple drug offenses. Mumbai's anti-narcotics cell alone has four cases registered against him.
Chilling Case Details
One of the most disturbing cases linked to Amjad is the 2012 murder of his own gang member, Haris alias Bittu Sultan Shah. Shah was allegedly accused of stealing 30 kg of charas from a consignment. Sources claim that Shah was tortured to death, and his body was burned and dumped in the forests of Igatpuri in an attempt to destroy evidence.
