Major Drug Bust in Ahmedabad: Rs 1.57 Lakh Worth of Mephedrone Seized, Two Arrested
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Ahmedabad, April 12 (NationPress) - In a significant operation, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch apprehended two individuals in the Behrampura region of Gujarat for possessing an illegal narcotic substance, according to officials on Sunday.
Following precise intelligence, the officers executed a raid in an open area near Santoshnagar Four Buildings, adjacent to a private company’s wall, leading to the arrest of Hasmukh Sargara (27) and Manish Sargara (26).
Authorities reported that the suspects were caught with 52.410 grams of mephedrone, valued at Rs 1,57,230, and were lacking any form of permit.
A case has been lodged under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the DCB police station against the accused and their supplier, with further legal proceedings ongoing.
During this operation, law enforcement seized the narcotic along with various items, which included three mobile phones valued at Rs 15,000, cash totaling Rs 6,000, a Honda Activa scooter, a pocket scale, and several empty zipper bags.
The overall estimated value of the confiscated items reached Rs 1,98,920, as stated in the press release.
Investigators noted that both suspects are residents of Santoshnagar in Behrampura but originate from the Barmer district in Rajasthan.
This seizure is part of an ongoing crackdown on narcotics in Gujarat that has intensified in recent months.
Earlier this month, a collaborative operation by the Gujarat and Rajasthan Anti-Terrorism Squads led to the interception of about five kg of methamphetamine worth Rs 25 crore, allegedly smuggled from across the border, with two individuals arrested in connection to a larger trafficking network.
In another significant development, the Gujarat ATS traced an inter-state supply chain back to a clandestine manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh following a minor seizure in Ahmedabad, uncovering substantial quantities of mephedrone and precursor chemicals.
Previous incidents in Ahmedabad have underscored the magnitude of the drug issue, with police previously seizing nearly 96 grams of mephedrone worth approximately Rs 9.67 lakh from a Juhapura residence, alongside another operation that led to the arrest of a 21-year-old in possession of 94 grams valued at about Rs 9.5 lakh.
Officials mentioned that investigations are ongoing to trace the source and broader distribution network of these narcotics.