Cab Driver Held With MD; Probe Unravels Massive Inter-State Drug Network

The Saki Naka Police have uncovered a major narcotics manufacturing and distribution network with links to Gujarat, arresting several accused and seizing methamphetamine worth nearly Rs 75 crore. 

Investigators claim the syndicate used gig workers, including cab drivers, as couriers to transport drugs across states.

The investigation began with the arrest of Muskan Khan (26), an aggregator cab driver, who was allegedly found in possession of high-grade methamphetamine (MD) on the Andheri-Ghatkopar Link Road on May 21. During interrogation, Khan allegedly revealed details about the supply chain, leading police to a drug manufacturing unit 
operating from a farmhouse in Gujarat's Narmada district.

According to police officials, they had already been keeping a close watch on Cab and delivery aggregator platforms due to concerns over deficiencies in their recruitment processes.

"In November last year, we registered an FIR against a gig worker for failing to deliver items. Since then, we have remained vigilant, as there have been reports that the hiring process contains several loopholes," a police officer said.

Investigators have sought information from the aggregator platform associated with Khan, including her travel history and details of locations she visited while working.

"We have asked the platform for details of the locations she visited in her cab. We will also investigate whether any background checks were conducted when she was hired," the officer said.

Based on Khan's disclosures, police arrested Vazhool Chaudhary, who was allegedly operating as a key supplier in the network.

"His arrest led to the busting of a factory in Gujarat on May 26. A raid at Varkhad village in Gujarat's Narmada district resulted in the seizure of nearly 20 kilograms of MD," the officer added.

Police said Chaudhary has been involved in narcotics trafficking for over two decades, with multiple arrests dating back to 2001. He allegedly stored the drugs on the outskirts of Mumbai before distributing them through a network spread across multiple regions.

"He was in contact with a Dongri-based accused, whom he referred to as 'chacha', and from whom he learnt to manufacture Ice MD, a high-grade form of methamphetamine. We have not yet identified the man from Dongri," the officer said.

Police reiterated the need for stricter verification mechanisms by companies employing cab and delivery aggregators.