Ahmedabad, March 10 (NationPress) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two additional suspects and confiscated 22 kg of etomidate during an ongoing inquiry into a purported smuggling operation that aimed to export this anaesthetic drug overseas using fraudulent labels via air cargo from Mumbai, officials stated on Tuesday.

According to the authorities, the investigation began on March 7 after receiving intelligence indicating that etomidate powder was being shipped to countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and others, misrepresented as different products with counterfeit documentation.

The ATS reported that these shipments were falsely categorized as “aloe vera powder” and “Ginopol-24 powder,” with fabricated invoices and forged customs clearance documents prepared to expedite exportation through Mumbai airport.

Previously, the agency arrested Nikunj Gadhiya (28), a businessman from Surat residing in Katargam, in connection with this case.

During the investigation, two more suspects—Chetan Vavadiya (28) and Bhaumik Padmani (32)—were taken into custody on March 8. Officials conducted searches at the offices linked to the suspects, scrutinizing purchase records and stock registers pertaining to etomidate.

The documents reportedly validated that the substance had been mislabeled and misdeclared before being dispatched abroad.

While being interrogated, Gadhiya revealed that on February 28, he orchestrated the shipment of six parcels weighing 25.5 kg, of which 22 kg contained etomidate, destined for Malaysia via air cargo.

These parcels were subsequently intercepted and analyzed in Mumbai using a Raman spectrograph drug detection kit, confirming the presence of the substance.

The case has been registered under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Sections 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), and 350(1), with further investigations currently underway.

Earlier inquiries by the ATS suggested that the three businessmen potentially operated through multiple firms, including DWN Bioscience, Neutral Pharma, Om Herbs, Jani Pharma, and Rudra Enterprise, to clandestinely export etomidate disguised as cosmetic or herbal products.

Preliminary findings indicated that the accused may have previously exported over 125 kg of the drug to destinations like Malaysia and Thailand using similar deceptive methods.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to uncover additional individuals connected to this network and trace potential international ties.