Gujarat Police marked the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26 June with large-scale public awareness events across Ahmedabad and Surat, as senior officers reaffirmed the state's resolve to combat narcotics trafficking through sustained enforcement and community outreach.

Cyclothon at Sabarmati Riverfront, Ahmedabad

The Gujarat Police Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) organised a cyclothon at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad as part of its awareness drive. Director General of Police (DGP) and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G.S. Malik flagged off the event, which drew participation from police personnel, government officials, students, and members of the public.

Malik said the day offered an opportunity to reinforce public awareness about the growing threat of narcotics. 'On this occasion, a cyclothon was organised here. Police SPs, other staff, as well as private individuals and members of the public also participated in it. The main objective was to raise awareness among people, as drug-related issues and challenges are increasing,' he said.

The cyclothon was framed under the broader message of building collective resolve toward a 'drug-free India.'

Public Rally in Surat

In Surat, the city police organised a public awareness rally that brought together senior officers, school and college students, local residents, non-governmental organisations, and media representatives. Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gehlot said the rally has been an annual fixture for several years.

'International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is observed. For the past several years, Surat City Police has been organising a rally on this day. Students from schools and colleges, the general public, NGOs, voluntary organisations, and media persons also participate in it. On this day, we show our unity and commitment that throughout the coming year we will continue to fight against drugs and take strict action,' Gehlot said.

Five Years of Anti-Narcotics Enforcement: Key Figures

The awareness drives came a day after the state government released enforcement data covering the past five years. According to official figures, Gujarat Police has registered more than 3,700 cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, arrested 5,346 accused, and seized more than 1.36 lakh kilograms of narcotic substances valued at over ₹13,600 crore during the period.

Notably, the scale of seizures — both in volume and estimated value — underscores Gujarat's position as a key transit and enforcement zone for narcotics, given its extensive coastline and proximity to international drug trafficking routes.

Strengthening the Anti-Drug Framework

Officials said Gujarat has bolstered its anti-narcotics infrastructure through dedicated task forces, technology-driven investigations, reward schemes for actionable intelligence, and de-addiction and rehabilitation programmes. The ANTF's community-facing initiatives, such as Friday's cyclothon, are part of a broader strategy to complement enforcement with prevention.

With enforcement figures rising and community events expanding in scale, Gujarat Police's dual-track approach — crackdown and awareness — is expected to continue through the coming year.