The latest arrests from Diva-Mumbra have helped investigators trace alleged drug supply links as police continue to probe the network and its financial transactions.

The Case

Navi Mumbai Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with a drug seizure worth Rs 3.57 crore in Taloja, taking the total number of arrests in the case to three.

The Anti-Narcotics Cell arrested Destiny Akachukwu Ugochukwu, 34, a Nigerian national, and Poonam Basnet, 30, from the Diva-Mumbra area on October 14. Police suspect that the two were linked to the supply network behind the seized drugs.

The investigation began on October 8, when officers arrested Ani Ikechukwu Darlington, 41, in Taloja. Police allegedly recovered 2.497 kg of mephedrone, commonly known as MD, and 566 grams of cocaine from his possession and residence. The seized drugs were valued at Rs 3.57 crore. Further questioning and investigation reportedly helped police trace the alleged supply links to the two newly arrested suspects.

Investigators are also examining financial transactions connected to the case. Police suspect that QR codes linked to a bank account may have been used to collect payments for drug deals. The two accused have been remanded to police custody for further questioning. Police are now working to identify the source of the drugs, their intended recipients and others who may have been involved in the alleged network. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are examining financial records and other evidence to establish the full extent of the suspected drug operation.

The decision aims to help farmers recover pending payments from traders, while a move towards digital transactions seeks to improve transparency in the market.

The Relief

In a major relief for farmers, the Mumbai Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) has removed the six-month deadline for filing complaints against traders over unpaid dues and other irregularities. The decision was taken at an executive board meeting on October 15, chaired by Maharashtra Marketing Minister and APMC Chairman Jaykumar Rawal.

Earlier, farmers had to file complaints within six months if traders failed to pay them for their produce or if they faced issues related to weighing. Those who missed the deadline often found it difficult to recover their money. With the new decision, farmers will be able to approach the market committee even after six months, giving them another opportunity to seek justice and recover long-pending payments.

The minister emphasised that recovering farmers’ outstanding dues would remain a priority. Officials will also examine questionable transactions and transfers carried out without the required approvals. In another step towards improving transparency, the APMC has directed officials to begin digitizing market transactions within seven days. Banks, including HDFC and ICICI, are being approached to suggest suitable digital systems.

The proposed digital system is expected to make transactions easier to monitor and help reduce irregularities in the market. The removal of the deadline is expected to benefit farmers who have struggled to recover their payments. However, the effectiveness of the move will ultimately depend on how quickly complaints are addressed and outstanding dues are recovered.

93 Silencers Destroyed as Authorities Intensify Action Against Loud Motorcycles Following Residents’ Complaints.

The Crackdown

The Navi Mumbai Traffic Police have seized around 450 modified vehicle silencers as part of a crackdown on noise pollution caused by loud motorcycle exhausts. Of these, 93 silencers have already been destroyed, while the remaining confiscated devices are scheduled to be crushed on October 20 in Kalamboli and Panvel.

The campaign follows repeated complaints from residents about excessive noise from motorcycles fitted with modified silencers. Areas along Palm Beach Road, particularly between NRI Junction and Balsheth Chowk, as well as Sectors 42, 46 and 50, have reported such disturbances.

Residents have complained that the loud exhaust sounds, especially during early mornings and late nights, disturb sleep and cause inconvenience. The seized silencers were crushed under a road roller in the presence of senior traffic police officials and a representative of the Vashi Regional Transport Office. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Rahul Khade said the department regularly receives complaints about modified silencers and is taking action to address the problem. He also highlighted the harmful effects of excessive noise on public health.

The traffic police are also targeting garages and workshops involved in selling or installing unauthorised modified exhaust systems. The campaign aims to curb illegal vehicle modifications, reduce noise pollution and improve the quality of life for residents. Officials have indicated that enforcement will continue to discourage violations and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.