Mumbai: Helmet Check Leads to Drug Bust in Panvel; Youth Held with Suspected Hydroponic Cannabis
Panvel, 31st January 2026: A routine traffic enforcement drive in Panvel led to the uncovering of an alleged drug trafficking attempt after police detained a 22-year-old found carrying suspected hydroponic cannabis concealed inside a motorcycle storage compartment.
The incident took place around 7:30 pm on Thursday near the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar statue junction, where traffic personnel were checking vehicles for violations. Officers stopped a motorcyclist for riding without a helmet and displaying an unclear number plate. When questioned, the rider told police his helmet was kept inside the vehicle’s storage compartment and requested leniency.
However, upon opening the compartment, officers noticed a strong odor and grew suspicious. Beat marshals from Panvel City Police were called to the spot for further inquiry.
Narcotics Allegedly Packed for Distribution-
During preliminary questioning, the rider reportedly told police that the motorcycle belonged to a friend. The registered owner was later summoned to the police station. A thorough search of the vehicle allegedly led to the recovery of 29 grams of hydroponic cannabis, packed in small pouches, along with a portable weighing scale capable of measuring from 1 to 500 grams.
According to police sources, the accused claimed during interrogation that he had sourced the narcotics through contacts made on the social media platform Snapchat. Investigators are now examining this angle as part of a broader probe into possible online networks used for drug distribution.
Panvel City Police have registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Officers seized the motorcycle, the suspected contraband, the weighing scale, and an iPhone. The total value of the seized property has been estimated at approximately ₹1.5 lakh.
Police said further investigation is underway to trace the supply chain and identify others who may be involved in the alleged distribution of drugs in the Panvel area.
