Gujarat Police Uncover Drug Racket; Mephedrone Worth Rs 6.62 Lakh Seized
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Synopsis
The Vadodara Police's Special Operations Group seized mephedrone drugs worth Rs 6.62 lakh and arrested Ashok Mahipal, with two accomplices still at large. The ongoing investigation is part of efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks in Gujarat.
Key Takeaways
- Vadodara Police seized mephedrone worth Rs 6.62 lakh.
- Operation led to the arrest of Ashok Mahipal.
- Two accomplices are wanted by the authorities.
- Nilofar Salmani has a prior NDPS case.
- Authorities are intensifying efforts against drug networks.
Vadodara, Feb 8 (NationPress) The Special Operations Group (SOG) of Vadodara Police in Gujarat successfully intercepted a shipment of mephedrone (MD) drugs before it could be distributed. This operation, initiated from a tip-off, resulted in the arrest of one individual, while two others remain at large.
Upon receiving actionable intelligence, the SOG discovered that a suspect named Ashok Mahipal had transported MD drugs from Rajasthan early in the morning, poised for delivery near the old toll plaza in Kapurai.
The police were equipped with details regarding the suspect's attire, which facilitated prompt identification. After conducting a raid at the specified location, the SOG apprehended Ashok Kumar Mahipal Meghwal, a resident of Mahanagar, Woodana Makan, Dabhoi, originally hailing from Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan.
The authorities seized mephedrone worth a total of Rs 6.62 lakh from him, in addition to mobile devices and cash, culminating in a total recovery value of Rs 6.73 lakh.
In the meantime, two accomplices -- Nilofar Munnabhai Salmani from Tandalja, Vadodara, and Kalu from Pratapgarh, Rajasthan -- have been declared wanted.
It is noteworthy that Nilofar has an existing case against her under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act, which amplifies the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are persistently pursuing these suspects as part of their mission to dismantle drug trafficking networks in the area.
From 2021 to June 2024, law enforcement has confiscated over 87,605 kg of narcotics valued at around Rs 9,679 crore, leading to the arrest of 2,607 individuals in connection with these cases.
In the year 2024 alone, security agencies have seized drugs valued at Rs 6,450 crore, highlighting the state's ongoing struggle with drug smuggling.
A significant amount of these narcotics was intercepted prior to reaching their planned destinations, frequently outside Gujarat.
For example, during a cooperative effort by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Gujarat Police, and the Indian Navy, nearly 700 kg of methamphetamine were confiscated off the coast of Gujarat, resulting in the apprehension of eight foreign nationals.
