In one of the largest anti-narcotics crackdowns in the Thane region this year, Kalyan Police seized nearly 9.7 kilograms of heroin valued at approximately ₹34.18 crore and arrested five individuals, including an alleged international drug syndicate kingpin. The operation exposed a network believed to have operated across multiple states and potentially linked to wider trafficking channels.
Police officials said the investigation began on April 1, 2026, when an anti-drug squad led by Police Sub-Inspector Anil Gaikwad was conducting routine patrol operations near Kalyan Railway Station early in the morning. Officers noticed two men carrying bags and behaving suspiciously near Sanglewadi Road. When police attempted to approach them, the suspects allegedly tried to escape but were quickly intercepted by the team.
The two accused were identified as Quasim Abdul Sattar Vasaikar (38) from Shahapur and Krishna Nagappa Halemani (36) from Mumbai. During a search operation, officers recovered approximately 9.2 kilograms of heroin, marking the beginning of what later evolved into a much larger investigation. Authorities also recovered cash and other materials believed to be linked to narcotics trafficking.
Investigators later conducted a raid at Vasaikar’s residence in Shahapur, where police discovered an additional 531.69 grams of heroin, increasing the total seizure value to more than ₹34 crore. The seized narcotics are believed to have been intended for distribution across Mumbai and surrounding areas.
Further investigation led police to arrest two more suspects — Ganesan Putthuswami Jangmar alias Anna (71) from Mumbai and Saddam Gafur Sheikh (32) from Kalyan. Authorities allege both individuals played roles in storage and supply operations connected to the network.
The biggest breakthrough came when police arrested Amzad Yusuf Pathan, described by investigators as an international-level drug operator and the alleged mastermind behind the syndicate. Officials tracked him to Igatpuri in Nashik district, where he was taken into custody following weeks of surveillance and intelligence gathering.
Police officials stated that Pathan allegedly sourced narcotics from Rajasthan before routing them through Nashik, Kalyan, and Thane for supply into Mumbai markets. Investigators further revealed that Pathan has an extensive criminal background, with multiple criminal cases reportedly registered across Maharashtra and other states, including narcotics-related offences and murder charges.
Senior officers said the operation was carried out by the Kalyan Anti-Narcotics Action Team under the supervision of senior police leadership. Authorities are now examining possible interstate and international links connected to the syndicate. Investigators believe additional arrests may follow as financial trails and communication records continue to be analyzed.
The seizure highlights continuing efforts by Maharashtra law enforcement agencies to combat organized drug trafficking networks operating across urban regions. Officials described the operation as a major achievement in disrupting narcotics distribution channels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
