Surat Crime Branch Captures International Drug Kingpin from Chennai in Major Operation
In a significant breakthrough, the Surat city crime branch has successfully apprehended the alleged kingpin of an international drug trafficking racket from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The suspect, identified as Thaga Gani alias Shahjahan, was arrested following a meticulously planned operation conducted in Chennai on February 12. He was subsequently brought to Surat on Monday for further investigation into the sprawling narcotics network.
Court Proceedings and Transit Remand
After his arrest in Chennai, Thaga Gani was produced before a metropolitan court in the city. The Surat police successfully obtained his transit remand, allowing them to transport him to Surat for a detailed probe. This legal step was crucial to ensure a thorough investigation into his alleged involvement in the international drug racket that has been under scrutiny since late last year.
Background and Previous Criminal Record
Police records indicate that Thaga Gani is not new to the legal system. He was previously apprehended in 1999 in a copyright-related case in Chennai, highlighting a long-standing history of alleged criminal activities. Authorities are now delving deeper into his past and current connections to unravel the full extent of the drug trafficking network.
Connection to December 2022 Airport Bust
The arrest of Thaga Gani is directly linked to a major international drug racket bust that occurred on December 22, 2022, at Surat airport. During that operation, the Surat Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) sleuths arrested two Chennai residents—Mohammad Iqbal Ahmed Khan Niyamatullah Khan and Rasiya Abdul Kapoor—who were acting as drug carriers.
Key details from the December bust include:
- Recovery of 17.66 kg of hybrid cannabis, valued at approximately Rs 6.18 crore.
- The contraband was smuggled from Bangkok and transported to Surat in two trolley bags.
- Interrogations revealed that the consignment was sent by Thameem alias Tameem Ibrahim Ansari, another Chennai resident.
Expanded Investigation and Further Arrests
Following the airport bust, Thameem Ansari traveled from Chennai to Surat to collect the narcotics and the carriers. He was promptly nabbed by the crime branch on the same day. Further investigation into the case uncovered that the contraband had allegedly been ordered by Thaga Gani, who was also based in Chennai. This revelation prompted a focused effort to track him down.
Technical Surveillance and Special Team Deployment
Leveraging technical surveillance and human intelligence inputs, the Surat crime branch formed a special team dedicated to locating Thaga Gani. This team was dispatched to Tamil Nadu, where they successfully apprehended him on February 12. The operation underscores the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between surveillance technology and on-ground intelligence in combating organized crime.
Ongoing Probe and Network Tracing
Police officials have stated that further investigation is underway to trace the wider network involved in this international drug trafficking racket. The arrest of Thaga Gani is seen as a critical step in dismantling the operations, but authorities are committed to identifying all individuals and connections associated with the syndicate to prevent future illicit activities.
The Surat crime branch continues to work diligently, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency cooperation and advanced investigative techniques in tackling such complex criminal enterprises.
