09 April,2026 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
A case has been registered under the relevant sections of NDPS Act. Pic via Samiullah Khan
The MIDC Police in Mumbai have registered a case under the NDPS Act and arrested two persons for allegedly possessing 21.460 kilograms of ganja, valued at approximately Rs 5.35 lakh.
A case has been registered under Sections 8(c), 20(b)(2), and 29 of NDPS Act, 1985, at MIDC Police Station. The offence took place around 12.30 am on Wednesday, and the FIR was registered at 2.56 am.
The accused have been identified as Ranit Hemanto Aas (23) and Arijit Tapas Aas (26), both residents of Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon East. They were arrested at around 3.23 am on the same day.
The complainant in the case is Gautam Gahininath Bade (40), a police hawaldar posted at MIDC Police Station.
According to the police, Sub-Inspector Anandrao Kashid and his detection team were on patrol when they noticed two individuals carrying backpacks and a black bag near Bastiwala Compound on Mahakali Caves Road in Andheri East.
Finding their behaviour suspicious, the team intercepted the duo. When questioned, they failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding the contents of the bag.
Acting on suspicion, the police conducted a search in the presence of panch witnesses, during which 21.460 kg of ganja, including leaves, flowers and buds, was recovered from their possession. The seized contraband is estimated to be worth Rs 5.35 lakh. The accused were subsequently taken to the police station, where a case was registered based on the complainant's statement.
During interrogation, their involvement in the offence was established, following which they were formally arrested in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines.
After undergoing medical examination, the accused have been lodged in police custody and will be produced before the court within the stipulated time for remand.
Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the accused's criminal background and possible links. The operation was carried out by PSI Anandrao Kashid along with a team comprising officers Bade, Jadhav, Lokhande, Avghade, Shingane and Shinde.
The investigation was conducted under the guidance of DCP (Zone 10) Datta Nalawade, ACP (Andheri Division) Gajanan Pawar, Senior Police Inspector Ravindra Wani and PI Kale.
