Ahmedabad: In a significant narcotics haul, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of the city crime branch seized approximately 2 kilograms of hybrid ganja valued at over Rs 69 lakh from a luxury vehicle near Vijay Crossroads late Tuesday evening. Police on Wednesday confirmed the arrest of one individual and announced a broader investigation into an interstate drug network with connections to Rajasthan.
Details of the Seizure
The SOG recovered 1.975 kg of hybrid ganja, along with a Mercedes-Benz car and other items, collectively worth Rs 79.7 lakh. The operation took place near the municipal garden opposite Memnagar fire station. A senior SOG officer stated that the team acted on a tip-off regarding the trafficking of hybrid ganja brought from abroad.
Arrest and Investigation
The accused was identified as Hardik Kalal, 26, a resident of Naranpura. A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered at the Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) police station. According to the FIR, Hardik and his relative Pradeep Kalal from Rajasthan were allegedly involved in the drug trafficking network.
Police teams led by inspectors K D Gohil and A B Bhatt conducted surveillance and tracked the suspect to a hostel near Vijay Crossroads. During questioning, Hardik allegedly admitted that a trolley bag containing multiple packets of hybrid ganja had been handed over to him near the airport by an associate of Pradeep. Seven packets had already been collected by another associate, while two packets remained hidden inside the Mercedes car.
Recovery of Evidence
Since the car keys were with a friend, officers broke a small rear window to access the vehicle. A pink bag containing two plastic packets of suspected hybrid ganja was recovered from the back seat. Subsequent forensic examination confirmed the substance to be hybrid ganja. Police also seized two mobile phones, documents, and the car.
The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other individuals involved. Authorities are particularly focused on tracing the supply chain originating from abroad and the connections in Rajasthan.
