200 kgs of Charas seized by Dapoli customs division

By: Pune Pulse

August 18, 2023

Pune: Dapoli customs division seized 10 suspicious packets containing a total of 222.39 kgs of Charas drug from August 14 to 17.

As per information, officers of the Dapoli customs division during patrolling the sensitive places/shore guards on August 14 found 10 suspicious packages (weight – 11 kgs) in an unclaimed poly bag on Karde beach. The packages were moist indicating that they might have drifted ashore from sea. From the appearance and odour, the substance in the packages was suspected to be Charas which was confirmed by testing it with the drugs detection test kit. Given the sensitivity of the matter, the officers of the Dapoli customs division led by Shrikant M Kudalkar, Assistant Commissioner carried out an intense search in adjacent coastal areas from Kelshi to Borya.

During the search operation which was carried out from August 14 to 17, it led to the recovery of more than 200 kg of Charas from the following places:

· August 14 2023 – Karde Beach – 11.88 kgs Charas seized

· August 15 2023 – Karde to Ladghar Beach – 34.91 kgs Charas seized

· August 16 2023 – Kelshi Beach – 24.99 kgs Charas seized

· August 16 2023 – Kolthare Beach – 13.4 kgs Charas seized

· August 17 2023 – Murud Beach – 14.41 kgs Charas seized

· August 17 2023 – Burondi to Dabhol Creek – 100.95 kgs Charas seized

· August 17 2023 – Borya – 21.85 kgs Charas seized

·         Total Charas seized – 222.39 kgs

From the packaging material, the contraband appears to be of Afghan/Pakistan origin and might have fallen or dumped from a foreign vessel. Search is on to recover more contraband. Further, they have appealed to people, residing along the sea coast, that if they find any such bags which may contain contraband substances, they should immediately intimate the same to the Dapoli customs office. If anyone is found in possession of such narcotic substances from the sea coast then appropriate action will be initiated against them under the NDPS Act, 1985 which may lead to imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Shreyas Vange