Navi Mumbai: Acting on a tip-off, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) of Raigad police, in coordination with Khopoli Police, seized 16 kilograms of ganja worth approximately Rs 4 lakh and arrested three individuals in a major anti-narcotics operation on Wednesday.
Accused Include Labourer, Tailor from Odisha and Mumbai Rickshaw Driver
The accused have been identified as Manoj Gaurang Pradhan (35), a labourer, and Chandan Purna Pradhan (29), a tailor — both residents of Ganjam district in Odisha — and Pravin Premchand Gupta (38), a rickshaw driver residing in Chembur, Mumbai.
Trio Nabbed During Train-Based Drug Smuggling Operation
Police said the contraband was being smuggled into the region via the Konark Express train. The trio was intercepted and detained at Chowk, within Khopoli Police Station limits, following a raid based on intelligence received from a confidential informant.
Anti-Narcotics Operation Led by Raigad SP Aanchal Dalal
The operation was carried out under the guidance of Raigad Superintendent of Police Aanchal Dalal (IPS) and Additional SP Abhijit Shivthare. The field team included officers from the Local Crime Branch led by API Bhaskar Jadhav, with assistance from PSI Bahadkar and several police constables including Shyamrao Karade, Akshay Jadhav, and Babaso Pingale.
NDPS Act Case Registered, Further Probe Underway
"We have registered a case under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and further investigation is underway to trace the source and intended recipients of the seized narcotics," a police officer from Khopoli police station said.
