PANAJI
In a significant update on the Rs 43.2 crore drug bust, the Crime Branch has arrested two more people – one from Ahmedabad and another, a Zimbabwean national living in Vadodara – revealing a growing international network behind one of the largest drug seizures in the State.
The breakthrough followed the interrogation of Reshma Wadekar, one of the three main accused arrested in the cocaine seizure on April 21. Superintendent of Police (CB) Rahul Gupta said that during questioning, Wadekar revealed the involvement of a Gujarat-based man who allegedly funded her foreign trips.
“Based on her information, a CB team was sent to Ahmedabad. The team identified and arrested Chirag Rameshbhai Dudhat (32), a resident of Ahmedabad, on April 22. He was arrested for facilitating money transfers linked to the case,” the SP said.
The CB also said that Dudhat confessed to transferring money to Wadekar under the instructions of a foreign national known only as ‘Mr Don.’ Dudhat claimed he had received the money through a mobile payment app.
“Investigations into the money trail revealed that the funds came from Tariro Brightmore Mangwana, a Zimbabwean national currently living in Vadodara,” SP Gupta added.
Following this lead, a separate CB team arrested Mangwana on April 28. Both have been remanded to judicial custody at Colvale jail.
On April 21, the CB intercepted a shipment of 4.32 kilograms of high-quality cocaine hidden in packets of chocolates and coffee. Valued at Rs 43.2 crore in the international market, this is being described as Goa’s largest-ever cocaine seizure.
Three alleged drug dealers – Reshma Wadekar, her husband Manguesh Wadekar, and Nebu Vincent, also known as Winson – were arrested while trying to deliver the drugs. The packaging and concealment methods suggested international smuggling routes.
The CB had previously stated that Reshma played a key role in sourcing the consignment, while Vincent and Manguesh handled logistics and distribution.
Both Reshma and Manguesh have criminal backgrounds. She was previously involved in a prostitution case, while Manguesh is facing a rape charge.
