Tea Stall or Drug Den? Chikhli Police Raid ‘Rahul Tea Stall’ near Degam Railway Bridge; Owner Arrested with Ganja & Chillums
Breaking News: In a shocking revelation that has exposed how drug peddlers are infiltrating daily life, the Chikhli Police in Navsari district have busted a drug racket operating from a humble tea stall.
A public spot where people usually gather for a cup of tea was secretly being used to sell banned narcotics. Acting on specific intelligence, the police raided a tea stall located near the Degam Railway Bridge and seized a quantity of Vegetable Ganja (Marijuana).
The stall owner has been arrested, and the police have recovered cash, mobile phones, and drug paraphernalia totaling ₹13,324.
The Raid at Rahul Tea Stall
The epicenter of this illegal trade was ‘Rahul Tea Stall’, situated near the railway overbridge on the Degam-Chikhli road. For locals and commuters, it was just a regular stop for snacks and tea.
However, the Chikhli Police received a confidential tip-off that the owner was selling more than just tea—he was peddling Ganja under the counter.
Taking the tip seriously, a police team set up a watch. Once confirmed, they launched a surprise raid on the stall, catching the owner off guard.
Chillums and Packets of Ganja Found
The police team, including Head Constables Mahendra Nebhabhai, Vijaybhai Devayatbhai, and Kalpesh Devjibhai, conducted a thorough search of the stall.
To their shock, they found small packets of Vegetable Ganja ready for retail sale hidden inside the stall. The total weight of the seized Ganja was approximately 276.40 grams, with a market value estimated at ₹2,764.
But that wasn’t all. The police also discovered 8 Chillums (clay pipes used for smoking Ganja) and 20 special filters, indicating that the stall was well-stocked for regular consumers.
Arrest and Seizure Details
The owner of the stall, identified as Mahesh Ramanbhai Patel (43 years old, resident of Degam Village, Taluka Chikhli), was arrested on the spot.
Breakdown of Seized Assets (Mudda-Maal):
| Item | Quantity | Estimated Value (₹) |
| Vegetable Ganja | 276.40 Grams | ₹ 2,764 |
| Chillums | 8 Pieces | – |
| Chillum Filters | 20 Pieces | ₹ 100 |
| Mobile Phones | 2 Units | ₹ 5,500 |
| Cash | – | ₹ 4,960 |
| Total Value | – | ₹ 13,324 |
The police are currently analyzing the call records of the two seized mobile phones to identify Mahesh Patel’s customer base and his network.
The Surat Connection: Bengali Supplier Wanted
During intense interrogation, the accused Mahesh Patel spilled the beans on his supply chain. He confessed that he procured the Ganja from the Ashwini Kumar Railway Track area in Surat.
He revealed that a Bengali-speaking man, aged around 40 to 42 years, was his supplier. The drugs were transported from Surat to Chikhli via train or road.
Based on this information, the Chikhli Police have declared the unknown Bengali man as “Wanted” and have dispatched teams to coordinate with the Surat Police to track him down.
Booked Under NDPS Act
Head Constable Mulubhai Mayda has filed a formal complaint at the Chikhli Police Station. Mahesh Patel has been booked under the stringent provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
PSI H.H. Faldu is leading the further investigation. The police are probing whether students from nearby educational institutions or hostels were among the customers frequenting this tea stall.
Concern in Degam
The news has spread like wildfire in the residential areas around Degam Railway Bridge, causing concern among parents. The fact that drugs were being sold at a common tea stall highlights the vulnerability of the youth to addiction.
Locals have appreciated the vigilance of the Chikhli Police and have demanded similar checks at other pan shops and tea stalls in the taluka.
Conclusion: A Strong Message
In conclusion, the Chikhli Police have successfully neutralized a potential drug hotspot in Degam. While the seized amount might seem small, the disruption of the supply chain from Surat is a significant victory.
The arrest of Mahesh Patel serves as a stern warning to those involved in the narcotics trade: the police are watching, even at tea stalls.
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