Mumbai, August 19, 2026: Mumbai Police’s Crime Branch Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) has arrested a 31-year-old man after allegedly recovering around 10 kilograms of charas, estimated by investigators to be worth nearly ₹10 crore, in the Bandra area. The operation was carried out near Bandra railway station, where officers reportedly intercepted the accused following intelligence about a suspected drug consignment being brought into Mumbai for distribution.
The arrest highlights the continuing efforts of Mumbai’s Anti-Narcotics Cell to disrupt the supply and distribution of illegal narcotic substances across the city. Mumbai Police says the ANC focuses on tracing drug supply chains, identifying distribution centres and taking action against traffickers and peddlers under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.
Accused Held Near Bandra Station
According to police officials, the accused has been identified as Santosh Sav, a resident of Motihari district in Bihar. Police allege that Sav had travelled from Bihar to Mumbai with the consignment and was preparing to supply the charas within the city.
Investigators from the Worli unit of the Crime Branch’s Anti-Narcotics Cell reportedly laid a trap near Bandra railway station after receiving information about the suspected movement of the contraband. The operation culminated in the accused being intercepted and the alleged narcotics being recovered from his possession.
Police have estimated the seized charas to have a value of approximately ₹10 crore, making the recovery a significant narcotics seizure for the city. The exact nature and composition of the seized substance will be subject to forensic examination as part of the investigation.
Probe Into Bihar-Mumbai Drug Network
Following the arrest, investigators are attempting to determine where the alleged consignment originated and who was supposed to receive it in Mumbai. Police suspect the case could be connected to a wider Bihar-Mumbai drug supply network, although the alleged links and identities of any other participants remain under investigation.
The investigation is expected to focus on Sav’s travel history, communications, financial transactions and contacts in Mumbai. Authorities may also examine whether the accused was acting independently or as part of a larger organised trafficking operation.
Such investigations are important because narcotics seizures often represent only one stage of a larger supply chain. Identifying suppliers, financiers, transporters and intended recipients can help investigators dismantle networks rather than simply arresting individual couriers.
Police Intensify Anti-Drug Operations
Mumbai Police has continued to conduct operations against narcotics trafficking across different parts of the metropolitan region. The Anti-Narcotics Cell has identified supply chains, distribution centres and peddlers as key targets and also conducts financial investigations in appropriate cases.
The latest seizure near Bandra comes amid broader enforcement efforts against drugs including charas, cocaine, ganja, mephedrone and other prohibited substances. Police are also working to identify repeat offenders and suspected networks involved in bringing narcotics into the city.
Court Sends Accused to Police Custody
After his arrest, Sav was produced before a court, which reportedly remanded him to police custody until August 21. Investigators are expected to question him about the source of the alleged 10-kg consignment, its intended destination and other individuals who may have been involved.
The case remains under investigation, and the allegations against the accused will be tested through the legal process. Forensic analysis of the seized material and further questioning could provide investigators with additional clues about the suspected trafficking network.
The operation nevertheless represents a major setback for those allegedly attempting to move large quantities of narcotics into Mumbai, as police continue their crackdown on the illegal drug trade.
