Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Nashik: The city police have invoked the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against an alleged drug syndicate operating across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Nashik, following the seizure of 344 grams of mephedrone (MD) worth around Rs 86 lakh in Ulwe in May.

Police arrested Ravi Prabhulal Khatik, 25, on May 2, allegedly with the MD intended for sale. During the investigation, officials claimed they uncovered an organised network involved in the large-scale supply and distribution of narcotic substances across the three cities.

According to police, Imran Hussain Khan alias Bawandar, 36, Ravikumar Harigen Singh, 44, Mohammad Anwar Shamshad Ahmed Ansari alias Bartan, Arbaaz Ali Sayyed alias Toto, Anwar alias Lala Allanur Shah, 43, Raja alias Imtiyaz Umar Sheikh, 32, and Iliyas alias Ismail Mastan Sheikh, 32, were allegedly operating as members of the syndicate.

Investigators said, “The gang was allegedly involved not only in drug trafficking but also in other criminal activities, including attempted murder and assault.” Police alleged that the group used organised methods and violence to sustain its illegal operations and generate financial gains.

Based on the findings, police invoked Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2) and 3(4) of the MCOCA, 1999, against the accused. In a separate action under the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbaikar” campaign, police have also taken preventive action under the PIT-NDPS Act against Sitabai Santosh Ingle, 35. She was allegedly involved in repeated drug sales and has been detained and lodged at Nashik Central Prison.

Teams from Nerul Police Station, Ulwe Police Station, and the Anti-Narcotics Cell carried out the actions under the guidance of Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe. The police said, “The measures form part of their continuing efforts to curb the illegal narcotics trade in Navi Mumbai.”

MCOCA ACTION AGAINST DRUG SYNDICATE

???? NAVI MUMBAI POLICE CRACKDOWN

• Drug syndicate allegedly operating across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai & Nashik

• 344 grams of mephedrone (MD) worth around Rs 86 lakh seized in Ulwe

• Ravi Prabhulal Khatik, 25, arrested on May 2

• Police allege the syndicate was involved in large-scale drug supply

• Network members allegedly linked to attempted murder and assault

• MCOCA Sections 3(1)(ii), 3(2) & 3(4) invoked

SEPARATE PIT-NDPS ACTION

• Sitabai Santosh Ingle, 35, detained over alleged repeated drug peddling

• Lodged at Nashik Central Prison

“Nasha Mukt Navi Mumbaikar” campaign intensifies crackdown on illegal narcotics.