In a significant operation against drug trafficking, the anti-narcotics squad of the Crime Branch successfully apprehended Sheikh Nazir Sheikh Wazir, 40, in the Hasanbag area on Friday night. The police seized 32 grams of Mephedrone (MD) powder, valued at Rs 2.73 lakh, along with a two-wheeler, an electric weighing scale, a mobile phone, and Rs 3,200 in cash.
Sheikh Nazir, the nephew of notorious gangster Shamsher, had a criminal background and was previously arrested for murder in 2014. The arrest was made following a tip-off and a targeted patrolling operation carried out by the squad around 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM on April 25, near Medina Masjid, Hasanbagh.
Upon spotting Nazir near a moped, matching the description provided by the informant, the officers approached him. After a search, they discovered the MD powder concealed in a ziplock bag.
During questioning, Nazir revealed that his accomplice, Sheikh Naseem (alias Assu and Baylis), aged 35, was responsible for supplying the MD powder sourced from Mumbai. Nazir admitted to selling the narcotic locally for personal financial gain.
Following his arrest, Nazir was booked under Sections 8 (a), 22 (b), and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He has since been handed over to Nandanvan police for further investigation. Authorities are also continuing their search for his absconding associate, Sheikh Naseem, who is believed to be involved in the broader drug trafficking network.
This arrest is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to crack down on the illegal drug trade in the region.
