Daijiworld Media Network – Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai, Apr 30: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) from the Navi Mumbai police arrested two officers for their involvement in a drug syndicate, marking the culmination of an extensive investigation into drug trafficking. A total of 10 individuals were arrested, including two police constables, one customs official, and a network of drug suppliers, with contraband and assets seized amounting to Rs 73 lac.
The operation began with a tip-off on April 14, leading to the arrest of Ashish Gavre and Ahmed Aalgi, both 22 and 23 years old, who were found in possession of 17.19 grams of hydroponic high-grade cannabis worth Rs 2.76 lac. Further investigation revealed that the duo, involved in the distribution of ganja, hydroponic ganja, and heroin, were part of a larger network.
The arrests extended to Sujit Bangera, who sourced drugs from international suppliers in America and Thailand, and customs official Prashant Gaur, who facilitated the clearance of the shipments at the airport. Kamal Chandwani, a 56-year-old with a criminal history, was also apprehended for collecting the parcels using forged documents.
Additionally, two police constables Sachin Bhalerao from Kharghar police station and Sanjay Phulkhar from the Anti-Narcotics Unit were arrested for accepting bribes of Rs 6 lac each to prevent the arrest of Chandwani. The police are investigating their roles further.
Ankit Patel and Rinkudkumar Patel, involved in converting cryptocurrency stablecoins (USDT) into cash for the syndicate, were also arrested. The police suspect that the Chickhar brothers, based abroad, may be behind the operation.
The total seizure included drugs worth Rs 16.43 lac, vehicles valued at Rs 7 lac, and additional assets totaling Rs 14.12 lac.