In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Thane police arrested 25-year-old Naushin Mainuddin Sheikh, a domestic worker from Mumbra, for possessing 71.03 grams of mephedrone (MD), valued at Rs 14.31 lakh, on Tuesday evening. The seizure, made near a defunct hotel in Ulhasnagar, underscores the growing menace of synthetic drugs in Maharashtra’s urban hubs.
Acting on a tip-off, officers from Hill Line police station intercepted Sheikh while she was moving suspiciously on a road. A search revealed the banned substance, classified under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, concealed on her person. During interrogation, Sheikh confessed to procuring the drug from a supplier in Nala Sopara, Palghar district, for distribution in Thane. Police have launched a manhunt for the supplier, whose identity remains undisclosed, to dismantle the supply chain.
The seizure adds to a string of recent drug busts in the region. In July 2025, Thane’s Anti-Narcotics Cell seized Rs 13.9 lakh worth of mephedrone and Rs 17 lakh in cash in Vasai, arresting three individuals. Authorities suspect a broader network operating across Thane, Mumbai, and Palghar, with mephedrone, also known as ‘meow meow,’ gaining traction due to its affordability compared to drugs like cocaine.
Also Read: Smuggler Nabbed with Rs 80 Lakh Smack at Nepal Border
A case has been registered against Sheikh under Sections 8(c) and 22(c) of the NDPS Act, which carries stringent penalties for possession and trafficking of synthetic stimulants. “We are probing the source of the contraband and its intended recipients to uncover the full extent of this racket,” said a Hill Line police official. The investigation is also exploring whether Sheikh’s role as a domestic worker was used as a cover for her illicit activities.
The bust highlights the challenges of curbing drug trafficking in densely populated areas like Mumbra, a known hotspot for such activities. Posts on X have noted similar arrests in Thane, with users expressing alarm over the rising drug trade in residential neighborhoods.
Also Read: Pune Drug Party Case: Ex-Minister’s Son-in-Law Among Five Sent to Judicial Custody