{
  "id": 1974138,
  "title": "Ambarnath Police Bust MD Drug Racket, Seize Contraband, Cash Worth ₹27.49 Lakh; Four Arrested",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/ambarnath-police-bust-md-drug-racket-seize-contraband-cash-worth-27",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T16:20:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/ambarnath-police-bust-md-drug-racket-seize-contraband-cash-worth-rs-2749-lakh-four-arrested"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ambarnath police have dismantled an alleged drug racket, arresting four individuals and seizing narcotics, cash, and jewelry worth nearly ₹27.49 lakh during an extensive operation in the Bhagat Singh Nagar area. This follows a previous raid in Badlapur Rural Police area, where two suspects were arrested and Rs 5.5 lakh in drugs were seized. The Ambarnath West Police intensified their efforts after facing criticism for their weak response to the growing drug trade in the region. The operation, conducted in collaboration with a local police unit, targeted a suspected drug distribution hub in Bhagat Singh Nagar, which has been a hotspot for illegal drug trafficking. The arrested accused, identified as Ayaz Sayyed, Noorjahan Toufiq Shaikh, Shaqira Istiyaq Ansari, and Sharif Salim Shaikh, were held in custody following their interrogation and subsequent court appearance. The police recovered 33.410 grams of the banned substance MD, along with Rs 20,17,630 in cash and jewelry worth Rs 64,000, which they suspect was procured through drug sales. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Gore stated that the seized cash was likely amassed through drug trafficking with the intention of purchasing more narcotics. Ongoing investigations are focused on identifying and apprehending the principal suppliers of the drug network and tracing three other suspects believed to be involved. Police officials anticipate further arrests as the investigation progresses, emphasizing the need for sustained enforcement measures to combat the narcotics trade in the area.",
  "summary": "Ambarnath: Facing criticism over the growing menace of narcotics in the city, the Ambarnath Police have cracked down on an alleged drug network, seizing MD (Mephedrone), cash, and gold and silver ornaments collectively valued at Rs 27.49 lakh during a major operation in the Bhagat Singh Nagar area of Ambarnath West. Police launch anti-narcotics drive The action comes days after the Badlapur Rural…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}