In a significant operation against drug trafficking, the Sakinaka police arrested 29-year-old Appu Bihari Mandal, a well-known drug dealer, and seized 8 grams of mephedrone (MD) worth Rs1.20 lakh. The arrest took place in the early hours of January 2 near Chandivali Farm Road, Sakinaka.
The police acted on a tip-off and set up a trap, leading to Mandal’s arrest at 2:52 AM. He was apprehended while in possession of the illegal substance, which is widely used as a recreational drug. The police investigation revealed that Mandal had a criminal history, with three previous cases registered against him at the Powai police station.
Mandal, a resident of Powai, hails from Jesuda village in Bihar. He is suspected to be a key figure in a large drug distribution network, reportedly operating under the guidance of Newton Samuel Joshua, a well-known drug syndicate leader. The arrest is seen as a major breakthrough in disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics in the area.
During the operation, Police Sub-Inspector Ajit Lonkar, under the direction of Senior Police Inspector Sanjay Hazare, led the team that captured Mandal. While Mandal has been remanded in police custody until January 4, authorities continue to investigate his connections within the larger drug network.
The Sakinaka Police Station has ramped up efforts to curb drug-related activities in the area, and this arrest is part of a broader strategy to crack down on illegal substances. Investigators are currently probing Mandal’s potential links to other members of the syndicate.
This operation highlights the police’s commitment to tackling drug trafficking and keeping the community safe from the growing menace of narcotics.
