Gujarat: SMC Discovers Cocaine Worth Over One Crore on Navsari Highway
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Synopsis
The State Monitoring Cell in Surat, Gujarat, has seized a large shipment of cocaine valued at over one crore rupees on Navsari Highway. Two suspects were arrested as authorities continue their investigation into the origins of the drugs, highlighting a growing trend in drug trafficking within the state.
Key Takeaways
- SMC seizes cocaine worth over one crore on Navsari Highway.
- Interception followed a tip-off and surveillance.
- Two suspects arrested—a Nigerian woman and the driver.
- Ongoing investigation may reveal larger drug networks.
- Gujarat sees a rise in cocaine seizures in recent years.
Ahmedabad, Feb 17 (NationPress) The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) in Surat, Gujarat, has successfully intercepted a shipment of cocaine valued at over one crore rupees on the Navsari Highway.
The illicit drugs were being transported from Mumbai to Ahmedabad when the SMC team halted the vehicle.
Following a tip-off, the SMC established surveillance along the Navsari Highway, diligently monitoring vehicles suspected of transporting illegal substances.
During this operation, officers stopped a suspicious vehicle and conducted an extensive search, revealing a substantial amount of cocaine. Officials estimate the street value of the seized drugs to exceed one crore rupees.
Authorities apprehended two suspects—a Nigerian woman and the car's driver—who were allegedly transporting the contraband from Mumbai to Ahmedabad.
The SMC has confiscated both the vehicle and the drugs as part of an ongoing investigation. Sources indicate that interrogating the arrested individuals may yield significant insights, potentially uncovering a larger drug trafficking network.
The SMC is actively investigating the origins and intended recipients of the smuggled cocaine. In recent years, Gujarat has experienced a marked increase in cocaine seizures, establishing the state as a crucial hub in international drug trafficking.
In 2021, Gujarat Police seized drugs valued at Rs 1,617 crore, representing the highest annual seizure in the state's history at that time.
This included over 67,000 kg of various narcotics, a significant rise from the previous year's 12,458 kg valued at Rs 195 crore.
The trend persisted in 2022, with law enforcement confiscating over 31,000 kg of drugs, valued at approximately Rs 5,137 crore. This increase in drug seizures underscores the enhanced efforts by authorities to combat smuggling operations and restrict the influx of illegal substances into the state.
