In a groundbreaking move to tackle drug trafficking, the Mumbai Police’s RCF (Rashtriya Chemical Factory) police in Chembur have arrested Mohammad Bashir Shabir, a notorious drug trafficker, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act. This is the first time the PITNDPS Act has been applied by a police station in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in combating the city’s ongoing drug trade.
Mohammad Bashir Shabir, also known as Musa, is a 34-year-old resident of Chembur, who has been involved in the sale of ganja (marijuana) for several years. He hails from Nagpada and is a part of a family business dealing in narcotics. Throughout his criminal career, Musa has used various aliases, including Mohammad Akhlaq Israel Shaikh, Salman, and Akhlaq Bashir Shaikh, to avoid detection and manipulate legal outcomes. Despite being arrested multiple times, he has successfully managed to evade harsher penalties by selling drugs in quantities just below the threshold for commercial trafficking, which would attract more severe punishments.
The RCF police, led by Assistant Police Inspector Ravindra Patil, conducted a thorough investigation into Musa’s activities after he was repeatedly arrested for possessing 5 to 8 kilograms of ganja. Each time, he was able to secure bail by paying substantial amounts, often over Rs1 lakh, which indicated his continued wealth and involvement in the lucrative drug trade.
Musa’s network extended beyond Mumbai. His operations were centered around sourcing ganja from Surat, Gujarat, and managing its transportation, sale, and distribution across the region. His well-established family network, including two wives, is also believed to be connected to his illegal business operations. His long-standing ties to the criminal world and his evasive tactics made it difficult for authorities to apprehend him.
Due to his history of repeat offenses and his continuous involvement in the illicit narcotic trade, the Mumbai Police invoked the PITNDPS Act, which allows for the preventive detention of habitual offenders. This is a special provision typically used in states like Punjab and Haryana but had never been applied by a police station in Mumbai until now.
Under the PITNDPS Act, individuals involved in serious drug trafficking can be detained without trial for up to a year, to prevent them from continuing their criminal activities. The Mumbai Police Commissioner submitted the proposal to the screening committee, which included representatives from various agencies such as the CBI, NCB, and DRI. After a thorough review, the committee approved the proposal, and the detention orders were issued. Musa was subsequently taken into custody and lodged in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Central Jail.