27 August,2026 02:03 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
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Police have busted an alleged narcotics distribution racket operating in Maharashtra's Navi Mumbai after seizing drugs valued at around Rs 1.5 lakh and arresting six people, including a woman identified as the alleged mastermind, officials said.
The arrests followed a series of raids and searches conducted in and around Panvel after police initially detained two local residents and recovered cannabis from their possession.
Investigators said the probe later led them to other alleged members of the network, resulting in the recovery of mephedrone and further arrests.
The operation began on August 18 when police raided Panchsheel Nagar, a slum area near Panvel railway station.
During the raid, police arrested Kabir Salim Shaikh and Vikas alias Vicky Kalappa Gaikwad, both local residents.
Police said 510 grams of cannabis, commonly known as ganja, and valued at Rs 51,000 was recovered from their possession.
A case was registered and investigators began examining whether the two accused were part of a larger drug supply and distribution network operating in Navi Mumbai and adjoining areas.
Further investigation led police to Shakeel Mohammad Ayub Shaikh, who was subsequently arrested from Panvel, according to a police release issued on Wednesday.
A search of his residence resulted in the recovery of 3.5 grams of mephedrone, also known as MD, police said.
The seized narcotic was valued at approximately Rs 1.05 lakh, the release said.
The recovery of the synthetic drug prompted investigators to expand their inquiry and trace other people suspected of being involved in the alleged supply and distribution chain.
On Wednesday, police arrested Rani Ravi Joseph, who has been identified by investigators as the alleged kingpin of the drug distribution network.
Two of her alleged associates, Nitin Ramesh Chauhan alias Nitin Bhaiya and Pradeep Kamalakar Gaikwad, were also arrested, police said.
With the latest arrests, the number of people taken into custody in connection with the case has risen to six.
Police said the investigation was continuing to determine the extent of the network, the source of the narcotics and the areas where the drugs were allegedly being supplied.
Police are also trying to trace seven other people believed to be connected with the alleged drug racket.
Officials did not provide further details about the identities or suspected roles of those who remain untraced.
The total value of the cannabis and mephedrone seized during the operation was estimated at around Rs 1.56 lakh.
Further investigation is underway, police said, as officers continue efforts to identify other people allegedly involved in the procurement, supply and distribution of narcotics in the Navi Mumbai region.
(With inputs from PTI)
