Mira-Bhayandar MD drug case: Waseem ‘Maandap’ Shaikh named in FIR

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In the multi-crore MD drug racket case busted by the Mira-Bhayandar Crime Branch, investigators have now named farmhouse owner Waseem Shaikh alias "Waseem Maandap" in the FIR after his alleged role surfaced during the interrogation of recently arrested accused.

Name emerges during interrogation

According to police sources, Waseem's name emerged during the questioning of accused numbers 12 and 13, following which the Crime Branch issued him a summons to appear before investigators for inquiry.

Sources said police allegedly recovered raw materials and chemicals used for manufacturing MD drugs from a marriage hall godown owned by Waseem behind Samna Nagar in Malwani, while a suspected synthetic drug manufacturing laboratory was allegedly traced to his farmhouse in Manori.

Accused allegedly absconding

However, officials said Waseem failed to cooperate with the investigation and has allegedly gone absconding. His mobile phone has reportedly been switched off since the Crime Branch intensified its probe.

On Tuesday, the Crime Branch Unit 4 team, along with arrested accused Akram Khan, carried out a search operation. Police officials also searched Waseem's residence but found the premises locked.

Investigators suspect that Waseem fled after learning about the ongoing crackdown and the recovery of chemicals and equipment allegedly connected to the manufacturing of MD drugs.

Major crackdown by crime branch

The crackdown is part of a larger investigation being conducted by Crime Branch Unit 4 of the Mira-Bhayandar Vasai-Virar Police Commissionerate under the guidance of Commissioner of Police Niket Kaushik, DCP Sandeep Doiphode, and Senior Police Inspector Pramod Badakh.

Earlier, the Crime Branch had busted a major MD drug manufacturing and supply syndicate, arresting 13 accused from Mumbai, Thane, and Gujarat. During the operation, police seized more than 6 kilograms of MD drugs valued at approximately Rs 13 crore.

Chemicals and suspected drug lab recovered

During further investigation, the Crime Branch allegedly unearthed an MD drug manufacturing setup linked to the Manori farmhouse and recovered nearly 255 litres of chemicals allegedly used in the production of synthetic narcotics from the marriage hall godown and other locations connected to the absconding accused, Waseem Shaikh alias "Waseem Maandap".

Police officials said further investigation into the case is underway.