15 May,2026 08:32 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah Khan
DCP Sandeep Doiphode with Senior Inspector Pramod Badakh (in white) and two officers from Crime Branch Unit 4. Pic/By Special Arrangement
In a major development in the Mira-Bhayandar MD drug racket case, the Crime Branch on Thursday arrested Waseem Shaikh, alias "Waseem Mandap", whose name had surfaced during the probe into an alleged interstate synthetic drug syndicate. Police are expected to produce him before the court today.
Investigators said the probe uncovered a large-scale narcotics supply network operating across Maharashtra and other states. With Shaikh's arrest, the number of accused held in the case has risen to 15.
Before his arrest, Shaikh released a video message on social media claiming he was innocent. "People know my nature. I can never do such a thing. False allegations have been levelled against me. I have faith in the law and will cooperate," Shaikh said in the video.
During the message, he also responded to statements made in the media by local political figures and BJP leader Vinod Shelar regarding the case. Shaikh tried to distance himself from the syndicate, blaming Akram Khan whom he described as the "mastermind" behind the racket who engaged in illegal activities without his knowledge.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Commissioner Niket Kaushik. DCP Sandeep Doiphode, who is leading the investigation alongside Senior Inspector Pramod Badakh, confirmed the latest arrest to mid-day, stating that further investigation is underway.
During the investigation, authorities uncovered an MD manufacturing laboratory at a farmhouse in Manori, reportedly linked to Shaikh. Additionally, a raid on a godown behind the Samna Nagar marriage hall - also allegedly associated with the suspect - yielded 255 litres of chemicals, machinery, and production materials valued at approximately Rs 13 crore.
