Mumbai police seize cocaine hidden in make-up artist's home, two arrested

Bangurnagar police in Mumbai have recovered a stash of cocaine hidden on a shelf at a make-up artist's home. According to the police, the market value of the seized cocaine is Rs 3.36 crore. The police have arrested Phoolchand Ishwardayal Kashyap, 31, a resident of Uttar Pradesh.

Police said Phoolchand had come to Goregaon to sell drugs and was caught in the process. He was behaving suspiciously near Shivam Society on Link Road in Goregaon when police detained him. A search found six grams of cocaine and a mobile phone on him. Preliminary information showed that he is a make-up artist.

Police then investigated further and raided his home in Madh Village, Malad. They seized 672 grams of cocaine hidden on a shelf in the house. In all, 678 grams of cocaine was seized, valued at Rs 3 crore 36 lakh. Counting the cocaine, the mobile phone and other items, police took possession of goods worth Rs 3 crore 38 lakh 98 thousand 500.

A case has been registered at Bangurnagar police station under the NDPS Act. During the investigation, the role of Phoolchand's associate, Mujahid Ali, also emerged, and police arrested him as well. The total value of the cocaine seized from the two accused is Rs 21.13 crore.

Police found during the investigation that the accused was selling cocaine to make quick money. At the police's request, a court in Borivali has sent Phoolchand to police custody, and the investigation is continuing.

Police are now trying to find out who the cocaine supplier is and to whom the accused was going to sell the drugs. They are also investigating where the accused got the cocaine and who else is involved in the racket. Police have launched a special drive to trace the accused's other associates.

The state government has launched a campaign for a drug-free Maharashtra. Police action in drug cases is continuing alongside it.