Gujarat ATS Uncovers Additional Nine Kilograms of Etomidate in International Drug Export Investigation
Synopsis
In a significant breakthrough, the Gujarat ATS has seized nine kg of etomidate, raising the total to 50 kg in an ongoing investigation into an international drug export scheme. This operation reveals the extent of illicit activities surrounding this potent anaesthetic.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat ATS has seized an additional nine kilograms of etomidate.
Total seized in the case now stands at 50 kilograms .
The operation uncovers a network misrepresenting drugs as herbal materials .
Authorities are investigating multiple businessmen involved in the export racket.
Etomidate is a controlled substance in many countries and poses significant public health risks.
Ahmedabad, March 11 (NationPress) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered an additional nine kilograms of etomidate, a potent anaesthetic, as part of their investigation into an alleged international export racket, officials reported on Wednesday.
This brings the total amount seized in this case to 50 kilograms, both domestically and internationally.
Officials stated that these new recoveries were made during follow-up searches conducted after details of the case were released on Tuesday.
In this latest operation, investigators confiscated four kilograms of etomidate from the Aramex logistics hub.
The shipment had been sent for air cargo by the accused, Nikunj Gadhiya, on March 2, using a company named DSUN Chemicals and Pharma, which is not registered under his name.
The package was allegedly misrepresented as “aloe vera powder” and was destined for a key cartel associate known as Chua Zhi Xuan, according to officials.
In another operation, authorities retrieved five kilograms of etomidate active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from the premises of Rudra Enterprises in Surat, a company owned by Chetan Vavadiya.
With these recent seizures, the total recovered now includes 30 kilograms of etomidate that were intercepted earlier from a logistics hub awaiting customs clearance, along with five kilograms from the office in Surat.
Additionally, 15 kilograms linked to this operation were previously seized by law enforcement in Thailand.
“Following the investigation and the press release on Tuesday, two more seizures were executed by the team,” officials noted, highlighting that the consignment from the logistics hub was falsely declared to hide the true nature of the substance.
The case emerged earlier this month when the Gujarat ATS detected a suspected network involved in the illicit export of the anaesthetic drug to Southeast Asian nations, misrepresenting it as herbal or cosmetic materials.
Investigators claimed that the suspects utilized forged invoices and customs documentation, routing shipments through air cargo facilities in Mumbai.
Authorities indicated that the operation involved three Surat-based businessmen: Nikunj Gadhiya, Chetan Vavadiya, and Bhautik Padmani, who allegedly employed multiple companies for the procurement and export of etomidate.
Etomidate is a short-acting anaesthetic used in medical procedures, but it is classified as a controlled or psychotropic substance in numerous countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Since it is not included under India's narcotics legislation, the accused are believed to have exploited regulatory discrepancies to source the drug domestically and export it abroad, where it holds high value in illegal markets.
Officials from the Gujarat ATS are continuing to scrutinize financial transactions, export documentation, and prior shipments handled by the implicated firms to assess the scale of the operation and uncover potential international connections.
Point of View
It's crucial to emphasize the seriousness of the Gujarat ATS's findings. The uncovering of a significant drug export racket involving etomidate not only highlights regulatory loopholes but also raises alarm over the international drug trade, which poses threats to public health. This investigation underscores the urgent need for tighter controls and international cooperation to combat such illicit activities.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Gujarat ATS investigating etomidate exports?
The Gujarat ATS is investigating etomidate exports due to a suspected international drug export racket misrepresenting the drug as herbal or cosmetic materials.
What have the authorities seized so far?
Authorities have seized a total of 50 kilograms of etomidate, including recent additions from logistics hubs and business premises.
Who are the key accused in this case?
The key accused include Nikunj Gadhiya, Chetan Vavadiya, and Bhautik Padmani, who allegedly used multiple firms for the drug's procurement and export.
What actions are being taken by the Gujarat ATS?
The Gujarat ATS continues to investigate financial transactions and export documents to determine the scale of the operation and international links.
