Ahmedabad Crime Branch arrests drug dealer, busts MD drugs turf war

The arrest of a drug dealer by the Ahmedabad Crime Branch has brought to light an ongoing turf war between rival dealers. The accused brought firearms to the city to assert dominance and strengthen his gang, according to the officials.

Acting on specific intelligence, the Crime Branch raided a residence in Danilimda. The accused, identified as Zishan alias Datta Pawale, was apprehended at Shah Alam Society. The raid led to the recovery of MD drugs, firearms, live and empty cartridges, cash, mobile phones, a tablet, a GPS tracker, a weighing machine, and other items.

Drug smuggling operations

Preliminary investigations revealed that the accused had been smuggling MD drugs from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, using carriers to transport the contraband. Active in the illegal drug trade for over five years, Zishan supplied drugs to various parts of Ahmedabad and other cities.

“A couple of weeks ago, the accused transported drugs and weapons to the city and was preparing to deliver them to local sellers. He had initially brought four firearms, of which two were already sold,” a senior Crime Branch official said.

Wide nexus under investigation

Police officials disclosed that eight more suspects are connected to the case, and efforts are underway to apprehend them. The Crime Branch is also tracking rival MD gang members and investigating the larger drug network linked to the accused.

Criminal record of the accused:

Zishan has an extensive criminal history, including the following: 

1. DCB Police Station (2022): Found with an unlicensed pistol and 8 cartridges.

2. DCB Police Station (2022): Caught with 18.96 grams of MD drugs worth ₹1,89,600.

3. Sarkhej Police Station (2023): Possession of a pistol and two cartridges without a license.

4. Danilimda Police Station (2021): Arrested for bike theft.

5. Chitroda Police Station (2023): Found with a Mauser pistol and a cartridge.

6. Maninagar Police Station (2022): Charged under Sections 354(A) and 354(D).

7. Ramol Police Station (2022): Involved in a violent incident, facing multiple charges.

8. Ramol Police Station (2023): Fired at a complainant with intent to kill using a revolver.

Additionally, the accused was wanted in two other cases related to drug trafficking and road crimes at Isanpur and Kamranj police stations.

Also read:

Notorious ‘Datta Pawle’ nabbed in Ahmedabad’s Danilimda, drugs worth ₹1 cr seized