Why Was a 60-Year-Old Banana Vendor Arrested in Mumbai?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A 60-year-old man was arrested in Mumbai for drug trafficking.
- He was posing as a banana vendor while selling MD drugs.
- The drugs seized are valued at Rs 35.30 lakh.
- The case is filed under the NDPS Act.
- Financial struggles drove him to the drug trade.
Mumbai, Sep 2 (NationPress) Mumbai Police apprehended a 60-year-old individual for allegedly distributing MD drugs while masquerading as a banana vendor in Bandra. The suspect, named Mohammad Ali Abdul Gaffar Sheikh, was found with 153 grams of MD drugs estimated to be worth Rs 35.30 lakh, as reported by officials.
Mohammad Ali was reportedly selling bananas near the Bandra railway station, all the while involved in the illicit drug trade, according to authorities.
Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch Unit 9 initiated an operation after discovering that he was covertly peddling MD drugs under the pretense of being a fruit seller.
Late Friday night, officers in plainclothes intercepted Mohammad Ali while he was traveling along Maharashtranagar Road close to the Bandra Bus Depot.
He was taken into custody for interrogation, and upon searching his handcart, police discovered a metal box containing a bag with 153 grams of MD drugs.
Authorities indicated that the seized drugs are valued at Rs 35.30 lakh in the international market.
A case has been filed under the NDPS Act, and the accused was presented to a court, which ordered him to remain in police custody until September 3, officials stated.
During questioning, Mohammad Ali disclosed that he resorted to drug trafficking due to financial struggles. He acknowledged that despite selling bananas in Bandra to survive, the meager earnings from the fruit business led him to smuggle MD drugs as an alternative means of income, according to police reports.
Investigators are now delving into the origins of the drugs, the length of his involvement in the trade, potential accomplices, and whether he has a history of criminal activity.
The investigation is currently ongoing.
Further updates are expected.