Valsad Police Nab Interstate Cigarette Gang, Recovery Worth ₹8.45 Lakh Made

The Valsad Local Crime Branch has arrested two members of an interstate gang that used Google search to scout target godowns and steal cigarettes across three states.

During a routine patrol near Umargam, police intercepted a Kia Sonet car (MH-12-WZ-1753) and recovered 873 cigarette packets of various brands, ₹1.35 lakh in cash, and five mobile phones. The total value of the seized property, including the car, stands at ₹8.45 lakh.

Interrogations revealed that the suspects scouted wholesale traders and ITC agency godowns online before conducting daytime reconnaissance and executing late-night break-ins.

Key operational methods uncovered during the investigation include:

• Target Selection: The gang searched Google to locate cigarette wholesalers and godowns before scoping out the sites during the day.
• Getaway Strategy: The accused broke into second-hand car shops, stole keys, drove away in vehicles parked outside to commit the crimes, and later abandoned them.
• Major MP Heist: Two months ago, the gang stole cigarettes worth ₹15 lakh from the Maheshwari agency godown in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, using a stolen SUV.
• Vehicle Thefts: The gang also stole an Altroz car from the Saswad area of Maharashtra and a number plate from Bhausri four months ago.

Habitual Offenders Solved Interstate Crimes

With these arrests, police have solved five criminal cases across Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.