EastEnders’ Ravi Gulati gets his hands on a large stash of drugs next week in a desperate attempt to rescue the Panesar businesses.

But when the drugs go missing on Harry Mitchell’s watch, both men could find themselves in deep trouble.

In crisis mode, Ravi asks Nicola for dealer Okie’s number so he can enlist him to do a dodgy job – but is forced to hide his car in The Arches when the police arrive. There, Kojo pops the boot open and uncovers an enormous supply of hidden drugs.

“After Bernie drained the Panesar bank accounts, Ravi’s a desperate man,” says our EastEnders source. “He’s the one that his family look to for guidance and they need cash quick, so he’s forced back into criminal dealings despite Nicola warning him of the dangers.

“Plus, Avani’s 16th birthday is coming up and he’s promised his little girl a party – so he can’t let her down.”

As panicked Harry tries to get a hold of Ravi, Kojo refuses to return to work until the car’s gone. When Phil turns up, Harry lies about why the motor is in the garage and heads off for tense talks with Ravi, which protective Nicola intercepts.

Afterwards, Harry finds Phil fixing the car – and the drugs gone. But who is responsible for swiping the stash?

“Ravi’s in enough bother without a bundle of drugs going missing,” explains our insider. “Harry immediately piles the blame on mum Nicola, but he’s absolutely horrified to find out who actually stole the stash.”

When Ravi arrives at the garage with Okie and discovers that the drugs are gone, he’s devastated, having just batted away Suki’s pleas to tone down Avani’s expensive birthday bash.

Stubbornly protecting the thief, Harry gives no answers but attempts to make amends with raging Ravi by offering Harry’s Barn as a venue free of charge.

Later, Avani’s party kicks off, and Ravi is delighted to see his precious daughter having the time of her life.

When he invites Harry along, the mechanic is touched – but is he truly off the hook for losing Ravi’s supply? Or could this be the beginning of a twisted relationship between the two men as Ravi battles to support his family by any means necessary?