Gandhinagar, Feb 25 (NationPress) In Gujarat, authorities have successfully intercepted drugs weighing around 41,000 kg, valued at approximately Rs 3,727 crore, within the last two years, as reported to the Legislative Assembly. The state government elaborated on its enforcement strategies and rehabilitation programs under a strict zero-tolerance stance against narcotics.

During the Assembly proceedings, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted that under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state is dedicated to achieving a “Drug-Free Gujarat”.

Sanghavi remarked, “The Gujarat Police have launched comprehensive investigations targeting drug traffickers and have taken the utmost stringent actions.”

He noted that properties worth Rs 32.20 crore belonging to drug traffickers in the Kutch district have been confiscated. “In addition, illegal structures associated with drug trade activities have been demolished using ‘Dada’s bulldozer’,” he elaborated.

He also mentioned that in Jamnagar, illegal residences constructed by drug cartels on gauchar and government land have been dismantled.

In discussing collaborative efforts, Sanghavi stated that Gujarat Police have partnered with law enforcement from other states to break down inter-state drug syndicates, including those operated by the Pandi Brothers.

He indicated that drug manufacturing facilities have been uncovered not just in Gujarat but in other states as well. Following the apprehension of drug dealers and cartels, law enforcement carried out thorough investigations into all facets of the narcotics trade.

“By scrutinizing every aspect from the top down, we have reached the core of the drug network and have implemented strict measures against the offenders,” he asserted.

The Deputy Chief Minister further emphasized that the government is taking a humanitarian approach in tandem with legal enforcement.

“Rather than incarcerating youth who have succumbed to drug addiction, initiatives in cities such as Surat and Ahmedabad are focusing on reintegrating them into society through counseling with their families under the supervision of Police Commissioners,” he stated.

Additionally, Sanghavi mentioned that this year’s budget includes provisions for establishing new de-addiction centers in every district to provide local assistance.

Minister of State Kaushik Vekariya provided further statistics, stating, “During the past two years, 1,647 offenses have been recorded statewide, resulting in the seizure of approximately 41,000 kg of drugs, with an estimated market value of around Rs 3,727 crore.”

He added that in the districts of Jamnagar and Kutch alone, 135 offenses were registered, with 306 arrests made and drugs valued over Rs 244.59 crore confiscated.

Vekariya noted that the ATS and other agencies are on high alert to prevent trafficking via maritime routes.

“With the mantra ‘Eradicate drugs and reward the informer’, the Gujarat Government is committed to safeguarding the younger generation,” he added, stating that an Anti-Narcotics Task Force has been established across six zones to dismantle drug networks.

He concluded by informing the House that Gujarat’s rate of drug-related crime is currently at 0.8, the lowest in the nation, attributing this to the government’s rigorous efforts that have fostered greater public involvement in combating this issue.