New Delhi (Agency): In the past two weeks, a surprising number of charas packets have washed ashore on different beaches in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, according to local police. The total weight of charas found is 209 kg, and it is valued at Rs 8.36 crore.
Raigad Superintendent of Police, Somnath Gharge, confirmed that “175 packets of charas were found washed ashore at different beaches in Raigad district in the last two weeks.” He mentioned that a case has been registered at Shrivardhan police station, and efforts are being made to find the source of these packets and how they ended up on the shores.
Interestingly, all the packets bear labels reading “Pakistan Premium Quality Rice,” prompting further investigation into their origin. These packets have been found on various beaches, including Jeevana Bandar, Maral, Serve, Kondivali, Dive Agar-Adgao, Akshi, Nanivali, and Shrivardhan Beach.
This isn’t the first time that such a discovery has been made. Between August 27 and August 29, police had found 107 packets of charas worth Rs 4.50 crore at different seafronts in Raigad district. Moreover, between August 14 and August 19, more than 250 kg of hashish had been discovered washed up on seven beaches in the Ratnagiri district, according to officials.
Despite increasing surveillance along the Raigad coast, new packets containing illegal substances continue to appear at regular intervals. “We have already stepped up vigil on the Raigad coast but still new packets containing contrabands are being found at regular intervals,” Gharge said.
The recurring incidents raise questions about coastal security and the effectiveness of law enforcement in the region. They also raise concerns about a possible organized network that may be using the sea route to smuggle illegal substances.
The police are now working to trace the source of these packets as part of their ongoing investigation. The outcome of this investigation could have serious implications for drug trafficking and coastal security in the region.