Ahmedabad Crime Branch seizes mephedrone worth ₹14 lakh from Danilimda flat, 1 held

The Detection of Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested a 27-year-old man from the Danilimda area and seized mephedrone worth over ₹14 lakh during a raid based on a tip-off.

According to officials, the accused, identified as Noman Habibmiya Sheikh, was allegedly operating a narcotics distribution network from a rented flat located on the second floor of Al-Falah Apartment near Barrel Market in Danilimda.

Police said the raid was carried out after the Crime Branch received confidential information that Sheikh had been involved in the illegal sale of narcotic substances for a considerable period and was actively supplying drugs from the rented premises.

The operation was conducted under the supervision of Police Inspector N R Brahmabhatt with assistance from Crime Branch personnel, and forensic officials. The raiding team reached the flat and found the accused sitting inside one of the rooms.

During the search, officers allegedly recovered a plastic container containing an off-white powder and lump-like substance suspected to be mephedrone, commonly known as MD drugs. The substance was later tested on the spot by a forensic science laboratory official using a narcotics testing kit, which reportedly confirmed the presence of mephedrone.

Police said the seized contraband weighed 468.140 grams and carried an estimated market value of ₹14.05 lakh.

Apart from the narcotic substance, police also recovered six mobile phones worth ₹50,000, a digital weighing scale, a plastic storage container and cash amounting to ₹7,200. The total value of the seized items was estimated at ₹14.63 lakh.

Investigators said the accused disclosed during preliminary questioning that he had allegedly procured the mephedrone from a person identified as Lalakhan from Rajasthan and had been selling the substance in Danilimda and surrounding areas over the past two months.

Police have registered a case under Sections of the NDPS Act against the accused and other persons who may emerge during the course of investigation.

Officials said efforts are underway to trace the alleged supplier and identify other members of the suspected drug distribution network.