In a major development concerning drug trafficking networks operating within the entertainment industry, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested emerging actor and model Rohullah Mehdi. Officers apprehended Mehdi directly outside a production studio in Malad, where he was actively engaged in a shoot. The operation resulted in the seizure of 28 grams of MD (Mephedrone), valued at approximately Rs 5.60 lakh. Following his production in court, the accused has been remanded to police custody for five days as investigators probe his role in an alleged illicit narcotics network.
Undercover Trap Uncovers Social Media Drug Syndicate
The arrest stemmed from specific intelligence gathered by the Mumbai Police regarding a drug distribution ring operating across suburban areas. Investigations revealed that the perpetrators were leveraging digital communication tools, predominantly social media platforms such as Snapchat and WhatsApp, to coordinate transactions, negotiate prices, and arrange deliveries with clients. To neutralize the syndicate and capture the key operatives red-handed, the Crime Branch devised a meticulously planned decoy operation.
Under the supervision of senior officers, a police operative posed as a prospective buyer to place an order for MD through the identified channels. The sellers agreed to complete the deal and designated a location near Thakur Mall, situated in the Dahisar Check Naka area. When an associate identified as Kasif arrived at the spot carrying the agreed contraband, waiting law enforcement personnel moved in immediately. Police arrested Kasif on the spot and recovered 28 grams of MD valued at Rs 5.60 lakh from his possession.
Co-Accused Interrogation Traces Link to Malad Shooting Venue
During preliminary interrogation following his capture, Kasif disclosed critical details about the supply hierarchy and named Rohullah Mehdi as a central figure in the operation. Armed with this confession and technical surveillance data, Crime Branch operatives pinpointed Mehdi's real-time whereabouts to a film studio located in Malad, where he was participating in an ongoing shoot.
A police team was dispatched to the venue, where they intercepted Mehdi just outside the studio gates. He was taken into custody without incident and transported for questioning. Officers stated that initial evidence points toward Mehdi acting as a primary figure within this local distribution chain. Further inquiry aims to establish whether the seized contraband was intended for personal consumption or wider distribution among industry contacts.
Background of the Actor and Court Remand
Official background records indicate that Rohullah Mehdi originates from Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. He had been residing in the Goregaon area of Mumbai while attempting to establish himself in the Hindi film and fashion industries. Over his time in the city, Mehdi secured appearances in various web-based projects and featured alongside actor Shahid Kapoor in the feature film 'Deva'.
Following his arrest, the Crime Branch presented Mehdi before a local magistrate. Prosecutors argued that extended custodial interrogation was crucial to untangle the full scope of the social media supply ring, identify potential suppliers, and trace financial trails connected to the illicit trade. Accepting the prosecution's petition, the court granted a five-day police remand. Investigators are currently reviewing digital evidence from confiscated phones to ascertain additional links within the network.
