Major Drug Bust: Gujarat ATS Nabs Two Near Rajasthan Border, Seizes Rs 25 Crore Methamphetamine
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Ahmedabad, April 7 (NationPress) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in collaboration with the Rajasthan ATS, has apprehended two individuals near the Rajasthan border and confiscated around five kilograms of methamphetamine during a significant operation targeting an international drug trafficking network.
Officials reported that Inspector J.M. Patel of the Gujarat ATS acted on confidential intelligence suggesting that two suspects, Shankarram Rameshram and Salman Lalakhan, were transporting a shipment of methamphetamine from the international border in Rajasthan.
The narcotics were reportedly provided by a smuggler from Pakistan for distribution across India.
“Upon verifying the intelligence, it was escalated to senior ATS officials, who sanctioned a joint operation,” an official stated.
The Gujarat ATS coordinated with the Rajasthan unit, which dispatched a combined team along National Highway 68, connecting Jaisalmer in Rajasthan with Banaskantha in Gujarat.
Extensive patrolling and a checkpoint were established to apprehend the suspects.
On the evening of April 6, authorities halted a suspicious Eeco vehicle during standard checks.
A yellow bag discovered inside contained five clear pouches filled with a white crystalline substance.
Initial tests validated the substance as methamphetamine, valued at approximately Rs 25 crore.
The two suspects, hailing from Sajan Ka Par, Ramsar, in Barmer district, were taken into custody.
A case has been filed under Sections 8, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Sadar Barmer Police Station.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects disclosed that the drugs were smuggled from the Tharparkar region of Pakistan by an individual named Masat Mubarak, and left in Barmer for collection.
Authorities also retrieved digital evidence, including WhatsApp conversations, call logs, and videos from their mobile devices, which may assist in tracing the larger trafficking network.
Officials characterized the operation as a crucial measure in combating both interstate and international narcotics trafficking.
“This underscores the effective collaboration between the Gujarat and Rajasthan ATS,” remarked a senior official.
Investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the trafficking network.
This successful interception represents one of the most substantial methamphetamine seizures in the region this year, underscoring increased vigilance against cross-border drug trafficking.