Thane Crime Branch Unit-2, Bhiwandi conducted a major anti-drug operation on the Nashik–Thane highway near Ranjanoli, seizing 15.9 kg of Mephedrone (MD) worth Rs 31.84 crore. Two accused, Tanveer Ahmed Qamar Ansari (23) of Mumbra and Mahesh Hindurao Desai (35) of Kolhapur, were arrested along with their vehicles and valuables.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Amarsingh Jadhav stated that the operation was part of a crackdown on drug trafficking following the police chief’s directive. The seizure ranks among the largest of Mephedrone in recent years.
Police sources revealed that PSI Amol Ingle and Police Naik Prashant Rane received a tip-off regarding a drug delivery near Ranjanoli on Aug 9. A team led by Senior PI Janardan Sonawane intercepted the suspects in front of Om Sai Kamili Dhaba on the Bhiwandi Bypass.
From Ansari’s car, authorities recovered 11.763 kg of Mephedrone, while Desai’s car yielded 4.161 kg. The total seizure has been valued at Rs 32.20 crore. Police noted that Desai’s car displayed a TMC sticker, prompting an investigation into possible political links.
Both accused have a criminal background. Ansari is linked to multiple NDPS cases in Bhiwandi, Byculla, Mumbra, and Daighar, while Desai has prior cases in Kolhapur, including NDPS and MCOCA charges. Preliminary investigations suggest the drugs were intended for distribution in Thane and Mumbai, and authorities are tracing the supply chain for the wider network.
Further inquiry is ongoing into the origin of the consignment, the stolen Swift Dzire used by Ansari, and the BMW linked to Desai. Both have been remanded to police custody until Aug 13 for further probe.
