GIFT City Drug Bust: SOG Arrests Man, Seizes Rs 26 Lakh Hybrid Ganja from Luxury Apartment
In a significant crackdown on narcotics, the Gandhinagar Special Operations Group (SOG) has arrested a 25-year-old man and confiscated hybrid ganja valued at over Rs 26 lakh from a luxury apartment located on the GIFT City campus. This operation has exposed a sophisticated drug supply network allegedly operated from a rented high-rise flat.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
The accused, identified as Ankit Kakkad from Rajkot, had rented the apartment for Rs 3,000 per day through an online marketplace. Police authorities revealed that the operation was executed on March 11 following specific intelligence indicating that an individual was storing and selling hybrid ganja in the Daboda police station area for financial gain. Acting promptly on the tip-off, an SOG team conducted thorough surveillance before launching a raid on the flat.
During the search, officers discovered 0.7 kilograms of hybrid ganja, estimated to be worth approximately Rs 26.11 lakh, concealed inside a branded bag in the bedroom. A forensic science laboratory (FSL) official present at the scene collected samples for testing, which later confirmed the substance as ganja.
Additional Evidence Recovered
In addition to the narcotics, police seized several other items from the apartment, including:
- An electronic weighing scale
- Two premium smartphones
- Rs 4,000 in cash
- The bag used to store the contraband
The total value of all seized items was assessed at around Rs 26.65 lakh. Investigators noted that the accused had booked the apartment on March 10 and completed the payment online. Officials suspect that the flat served as a temporary base for storing and distributing narcotics within the region.
Context and Legal Actions
This arrest occurs against the backdrop of increased attention on GIFT City, particularly after the state government permitted limited liquor consumption in designated areas, which has attracted a surge of business travelers and visitors. Following the drug seizure, the Daboda police have registered a formal case under Sections 8(c), 21(B)(ii)(A), and 29 of the NDPS Act.
Authorities have emphasized that further investigation is ongoing to trace the source of the narcotics and identify any potential buyers connected to the accused. This case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in high-profile urban developments.
