Daijiworld Media Network - Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad, Mar 13: In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, Ahmedabad police seized narcotics worth Rs 3.45 crore, including hybrid ganja, MD drugs, and charas, officials confirmed on Thursday.
The contraband was smuggled into India from the US, Canada, and Thailand, concealed within toy shipments and food packages ordered through online platforms to evade detection. The operation has shed light on an elaborate international drug network operating under the guise of e-commerce.
Gujarat Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghavi, lauded the Ahmedabad Crime Branch for dismantling the smuggling racket. Taking to social media platform X, he issued a stern warning to those engaged in illegal drug trade.
"Ahmedabad Crime Branch takes decisive action to dismantle a major drug smuggling operation. This is a warning to those involved in such illegal activities that strict action will be taken to protect the public," Sanghavi stated.
Authorities have intensified investigations to trace all individuals linked to the racket, including local handlers and distributors. The crackdown is part of Gujarat’s larger effort to combat the narcotics trade, with state agencies having seized drugs worth Rs 4,058.01 crore and illicit liquor valued at Rs 211.86 crore in the past two years. These efforts have led to the arrest of over 3 lakh individuals involved in illegal activities.
Among Gujarat’s districts, Vadodara recorded the highest drug seizures at Rs 1,620.7 crore, followed by Bharuch at Rs 1,389.91 crore and Kutch at Rs 1,040.57 crore. From 2021 to June 2024, authorities have confiscated more than 87,000 kilograms of narcotics valued at Rs 9,600 crore, resulting in the arrest of approximately 2,600 individuals.
As part of its anti-drug initiative, the Gujarat government has launched awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and religious institutions. Plans are also in place to establish additional rehabilitation centres in collaboration with the Health Department, aiming to curb drug abuse and provide support for affected individuals.