Is there a crackdown on drug cartels in Gujarat?

Ahmedabad, May 18 (NationPress) The Gujarat State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has initiated three new NDPS investigations in a span of just 24 hours across Juhapura (Ahmedabad), Mehsana, and Surat, resulting in the arrest of multiple suspects and the confiscation of substantial quantities of illegal drugs, as reported by state Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Sunday.

Since its establishment as a standalone police station with enhanced authority in January, the SMC has uncovered 12 significant NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) cases within four months. In these operations, law enforcement has apprehended 25 individuals connected to drug trafficking, including two Nigerian citizens. The contraband seized encompasses cocaine, MD, mephedrone, cannabis, and opium alkaloids, estimated to have a street value of Rs 4.14 crore.

Minister Harsh Sanghavi commended the operation, stating, “The Gujarat government is waging a comprehensive war against drugs under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. The SMC is not only addressing a vital enforcement gap but is also surpassing local police efforts in monitoring and intercepting drug activities. This struggle is ongoing, and we remain fully dedicated to our cause.” In Sunday’s operation, the SMC targeted three sites — Juhapura in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Surat — arresting numerous suspects and confiscating considerable amounts of illegal narcotics.

These recent cases are part of a larger initiative to rid Gujarat of organized drug activity, he noted.

Minister Sanghavi also commended SMC Chief Nirlipt Rai and the team working under the direct oversight of DGP Vikas Sahay, describing the results as “an outstanding achievement” and indicative of the growing effectiveness of Gujarat’s anti-drug framework. “No drugs should be found in our state,” Sanghavi stressed.

“The SMC team has effectively monitored and intercepted operations that had eluded local police. This acute vigilance and execution are precisely what’s necessary to dismantle drug mafias.” Initially assigned to combat alcohol smuggling, gambling, and betting networks, the SMC has been empowered to function as a fully operational police station with a keen focus on organized crime, particularly drug trafficking. This new mandate has led to intensified investigations and numerous high-profile seizures.

In recent years, Gujarat has amplified its measures against drug trafficking, resulting in significant confiscations and numerous arrests. From October 2021 to December 2024, authorities seized around 87,607 kilograms of narcotics valued at Rs 16,155 crore, leading to the arrest of over 2,500 individuals.

In 2024 alone, 757 individuals were apprehended under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) notably confiscated narcotics worth Rs 482 crore over the past two years, including 60.3 kg of methamphetamine and 173 kg of charas.

The state has also introduced a Narcotics Reward Policy to encourage public involvement in reporting drug-related activities. Since its launch in 2021, over Rs 11 crore has been distributed to 970 informants who provided actionable intelligence leading to significant drug seizures.