Navi Mumbai: A viral reel of four including a minor boy, on showing off their drug consumption, landed them in jail as the Navi Mumbai police, taking a lead from the video traced them down to Belapur.
Navi Mumbai anti narcotics unit arrested four individuals, including a minor, for allegedly consuming narcotics and promoting drug use through an Instagram reel. The accused were caught in a operation at Panchshil Nagar, Belapur, where they were found in possession of heroin worth Rs 5.40 lakh.
The arrests were made following directives from Commissioner of Police Milind Bharambe and senior officials to curb drug-related crimes. The suspects were identified as Santosh Dinesh Kamble (22), Salman Salim Daula (29), Sunny Dinesh Kamble (24), and a minor. They were taken into custody on Friday and have been remanded to police custody until Tuesday.
The investigation began when a video showing the accused consuming drugs and encouraging substance abuse went viral on Instagram on March 5. Acting swiftly, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Economic Offenses Wing) Bhausaheb Dhole instructed the Anti-Narcotics Cell, led by Police Inspector Sandeep Nigde, to track down the accused and take legal action.
Based on information, the police learned that the suspects were planning to sell narcotics on Thursday and accordingly the team laid a trap on Thursday night and caught them red handed. The arrest was recorded after midnight.
The accused have been booked under the NDPS Act, sections 8(c), 21(b), and 29, at the NRI Coastal Police Station. “They had procured the drugs from a lady in Vashi and we are now hunting for her,” said PI Nigde.
The operation was conducted under the supervision of ACP Bhausaheb Dhole, with the active participation of PI Sandeep Nigde, Sub-Inspectors Nilesh Dhumal and Suraj Gore, and a team of law enforcement officers.
