Mumbai: Autorickshaw driver held with 10 kg charas worth Rs 10 crore near Bandra

Cuffe Parade police and ANC personnel with the autorickshaw driver from Motihari (hooded) after his arrest. Pics/By Special Arrangement

A 31-year-old autorickshaw driver from Motihari, Bihar, was allegedly caught carrying 10 kg of charas worth around Rs 10.01 crore near Bandra Terminus on August 17. Police said the accused is a habitual offender and studied only till Std III.

Under watch

The arrest was made by the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), Worli Unit, during surveillance of suspected drug suppliers involved in the purchase, sale, supply and storage of narcotics in Mumbai.

The ANC team, with personnel from Cuffe Parade police, was tracking suspected drug suppliers operating in the city. A police officer told mid-day, "The accused was under watch as the team tracked suspected drug suppliers operating in the city. His movements near Bandra East and Bandra Terminus allegedly appeared suspicious, following which the team intercepted and searched him."

[popcorn number="August 17" desc="Day the ANC arrested the accused" class="Default"]

The search allegedly led to the recovery of 10 kg and 100 grams of charas, valued at approximately R10.01 crore. A case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at Nirmal Nagar police station, Bandra East.

Official Speak

DCP (ANC) Poornima Chougule-Shringi
"We are investigating the source of the contraband and the intended recipient. We are also checking the accused's previous criminal activities and his possible links with a larger narcotics network."

Transit probe

Investigators are also probing whether the consignment was being moved through Mumbai's busy transport hubs, where it originated, who was to receive it, and whether the accused had made similar deliveries earlier.

Investigating team
>> Police Commissioner Deven Bharti
>> Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anil Kumbhare
>> Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Krishnakant Upadhyay
>> DCP (ANC) Poornima Chougule-Shringi
>> ACP Sudhir Hirekar
>> Police Inspector Santosh Salunkhe
>> API Kiran Wagh
>> Personnel from the Cuffe Parade police

Handler hunt

Police are questioning the accused to identify his alleged handlers and the intended recipient. Investigators are also checking whether his previous activities are linked to the drug trade and whether other members of the network are operating in Mumbai. Following the seizure, the ANC is intensifying surveillance around transport hubs and other locations suspected to be used by drug networks to move contraband into the city.