Surat, Oct 24 (IANS): Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi said on Tuesday that the state police department has been fiercely combatting the menace of illegal drug trading.

He said this while speaking at a Vijay Dashami programme at Surat Police Headquarters.

The minister said: "The Gujarat Police are not waiting for the festival of Dussehra to take action against the demons of narcotics."

His remarks came in the wake of a recent crackdown wherein a Surat-based chemical engineer and others were arrested in Maharashtra's Aurangabad, and narcotics valued at Rs 500 crore were recovered.

Sanghavi, further speaking on the significance of Vijay Dashami, said the festival symbolises the triumph of good over evil. He equated this to the police department's relentless pursuit against drug smugglers.

Speaking on the police's commitment, Sanghavi said: "This is not just a drive, it is a war against drug lords. Our mission will only conclude once we eradicate this scourge from society. Anyone in Gujarat overstepping the law will face stringent legal consequences."

He also said that the Gujarat Police's proactive efforts, which have not only been confined within state borders but also extended to other cities, were disrupting drug cartels.