Gujarat: Over Rs 1.80 lakh worth of ganja seized in Surat, three taken into custody
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Synopsis
The Surat Local Crime Branch has detained three individuals, including a rickshaw driver, for ganja smuggling near the Pandesara Daksheshwar Temple in Gujarat. Over 6 kg of ganja valued at Rs 1.80 lakh was seized in the operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the source and destination of the drugs.
Key Takeaways
- Three suspects arrested for ganja smuggling.
- Over 6 kg of ganja seized.
- Estimated value of seized goods: Rs 1.80 lakh.
- Ongoing investigations into the drug source.
- Authorities intensifying anti-drug operations in Surat.
Surat, Jan 30 (NationPress) The Surat Local Crime Branch (LCB) Zone-4 team in Gujarat has apprehended three suspects, including a rickshaw driver, for the trafficking of ganja near the Pandesara Daksheshwar Temple.
An official indicated that acting on a tip-off, authorities intercepted the suspects, seizing a rickshaw, three mobile phones, and more than 6 kg of ganja, with the total value of the confiscated items estimated at Rs 1.80 lakh.
He mentioned that further investigations are currently in progress.
As part of their ongoing efforts to combat the drug trade in Surat, authorities have ramped up operations targeting those engaged in narcotics smuggling.
“In this instance, police received intelligence regarding a rickshaw transporting a significant amount of ganja near the Daksheshwar Temple. A surveillance operation led to the arrest of three suspects—Mohammad Wahab Aman, Rakib Sheikh, and Akbar alias Ballu,” he stated.
Upon searching the rickshaw, officers uncovered over 6 kg of ganja concealed in a plastic bag.
“During questioning, it was revealed that Mohammad Wahab Aman worked as a rickshaw driver for hire, while Rakib Sheikh played a pivotal role in the smuggling operation,” he explained.
The official noted that investigators are now working to trace the origin and intended destination of the seized ganja.
“Interestingly, no prior criminal records have been identified for the detained individuals,” the official commented.
Reportedly, from 2018 to 2022, authorities confiscated around 93,691 kilograms of various drugs, 2,229 litres of liquid narcotics, and 93,763 drug pills and injections.
Furthermore, between 2021 and June 2024, authorities seized about 87,605 kilograms of narcotics valued at Rs 9,679 crore, resulting in the arrest of 2,607 individuals connected to these cases.
In 2024 alone, drugs worth Rs 6,450 crore were confiscated in Gujarat, highlighting the state’s persistent issues with drug smuggling.
A significant operation in 2024 saw the seizure of nearly 700 kilograms of methamphetamine off the coast of Gujarat, a collaborative effort by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Gujarat Police, and the Indian Navy.
