In a significant crackdown on New Year's Eve, Surat police conducted a special drive and successfully busted three separate drug trafficking rackets, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of MD drugs and multiple arrests.
Major Haul from Amroli: Drugs Marketed as Detergent Powder
The Special Operations Group (SOG) spearheaded the first and largest bust. Acting on intelligence, they apprehended an individual identified as Jeel Thumar in the Amroli area. From him, the police recovered a significant 236 grams of MD drugs, with an estimated street value of ₹7.10 lakh.
Investigations revealed a modern and clandestine method of operation. Thumar allegedly used popular social media platforms Instagram and Snapchat to receive orders for the narcotics. To evade detection, he employed clever code names, referring to the drugs as "Tide" and "Nirma powder"—common household detergent brands—in his communications.
Two More Operations Net Additional Contraband
In a simultaneous operation in another part of the city, the Salabatpura police team arrested a 32-year-old man, Amir Shaikh. From his possession, officials confiscated 16 grams of MD, valued at approximately ₹2 lakh.
The third successful raid was carried out by the Athwalines police in the Nanpura locality. This operation led to the seizure of 37 grams of MD worth ₹3.70 lakh. The police arrested two individuals, Shehzad Pathan and Asif Shaikh, alongside a 17-year-old minor, highlighting a concerning trend of youth involvement in such illicit activities.
A Strong Message on New Year's Eve
The coordinated police action on December 31 sends a strong and clear message against drug peddling in the city. The total value of the MD drugs seized across all three cases amounts to a staggering ₹12.8 lakh. All the accused have been taken into custody, and further investigation is underway to uncover the broader network and supply chain behind these operations.
This special drive underscores the police department's commitment to maintaining law and order, especially during festive periods when the demand for narcotics typically sees an uptick. The use of social media for drug trafficking is a growing challenge that law enforcement is actively working to combat through vigilant cyber patrolling and intelligence gathering.
