Navi Mumbai: In a major crackdown, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) of Navi Mumbai Police seized banned gutkha worth Rs 3.77 crore and arrested four individuals involved in its illegal transport and distribution.
“The contraband, brought in from Bhiwandi and Madhya Pradesh, was meant for sale across Maharashtra,” Assistant Commissioner of Police Ashok Rajput said. Police also confiscated five container vehicles in the operation.
Initial Bust Near Kamothe Leads to Bigger Network
The first breakthrough came on July 21, when a team of ANC lead by Police Inspector Sandeep Nigade intercepted a tempo near Kamothe on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. The vehicle, carrying gutkha valued at Rs 22.40 lakh, had been brought in from Bhiwandi. The driver, identified as Farhan Majid Sheikh (23), was arrested on the spot.
Bhiwandi Link Traced; Raids Yield Four More Trucks
During interrogation, Sheikh revealed that the consignment originated from Yevai village in Bhiwandi. Acting swiftly on the information, a team led by PI Nigade, API Nilesh Dhumal, and Suraj Gore, along with 20 constables, raided a location in Yevai on the Nashik-Thane Highway.
There, the police found four additional container trucks loaded with banned gutkha. The vehicles, along with their drivers, were brought to the ANC’s Belapur office. Upon inspection with assistance from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officials, the containers were found to hold gutkha worth Rs 3.54 crore.
ANC Navi Mumbai busts gutkha smuggling racket; seizes five trucks, arrests four | File Photo
ANC Navi Mumbai busts gutkha smuggling racket; seizes five trucks, arrests four | File Photo
Total Seizure Valued at ₹3.77 Crore
Three drivers—Jitendra Mangilal Vasuniya, Bhupendra Rajendra Singh, and Bhanwar Khemraj Singh—were arrested following the seizure. In total, police confiscated gutkha worth Rs 3.77 crore and arrested four accused.
Gutkha Allegedly Sourced from Gujarat
ACP Rajput confirmed the operation and added that Sheikh has been remanded to police custody till July 25. “The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the distribution network and supply chain. While guthkha is banned in Maharashtra, it is legal in Gujarat and hence these were being manufactured in Gujarat and then brought here for supply,” PI Nigade said.
