GUJARAT: In a relentless crackdown on drug trafficking, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested 14 individuals and seized several narcotics worth Rs 836.36 crores from August 1 to till date, said Gujarat Home Minister on Friday.

The seizures included 25.632 kilograms of marijuana (ganja), 12.041 kilograms of charas, 1,410 liters of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets and 793.232 kilograms of liquid Mephedrone (MD). The cumulative value of these confiscated drugs is an astounding INR 836.36 crore.

In total, nine cases were registered which resulted in the arrest of fourteen accused individuals.

According to the Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the crackdown was a coordinated action by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and CID Crime and the Gujarat Police Department across districts, including Ahmedabad, West Kutch, Navsari, Panchmahal, Porbandar, Gir Somnath.

Gujarat ATS, Police in their operation to curb drug trafficking, nabbed a mephedrone lab in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, and an illegal tramadol factory in Dahej.

In a social media post on X, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi wrote, "Gujarat Police Strikes Big: Major Drug Seizures in August 2024 Congratulations to the Gujarat ATS, Police for their successful operations in nabbing a mephedrone lab in Bhiwandi, Maharashtra, and an illegal tramadol factory in Dahej. The Gujarat police's swift actions in registering 9 cases and preventing harm to thousands of youths are commendable. In a relentless crackdown on drug trafficking, Gujarat's law enforcement agencies have made significant strides in the month of August 2024. From August 1st to the present day, a series of seizures have been executed, reflecting the unwavering commitment to rid the state of illicit substances. In total, nine (9) cases were registered, resulting in the arrest of fourteen (14) accused individuals."

The tweet added, "The seizures included 25.632 kilograms of marijuana (ganja), 12.041 kilograms of charas, 1,410 liters of Tramadol Hydrochloride tablets and 793.232 kilograms of liquid Mephedrone (MD). The cumulative value of these confiscated drugs is an astounding INR 836.36 crore. These seizures underscore the persistent efforts of Gujarat's police force to dismantle drug networks and protect the community. The coordinated actions across districts, including Ahmedabad, West Kutch, Navsari, Panchmahal, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), and CID Crime, The Gujarat Police Department remains vigilant and resolute in its mission to eliminate drug trafficking and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens."

The Anti-Terrorist Squad of Gujarat arrested two people involved in making MD drugs in a flat in Maharashtra's Bhiwandi and seized 792 kg of liquid MD drugs worth Rs 800 crore, police said on Wednesday.

According to the police, the accused have been identified as Mohammad Yunus and Mohammad Adil.

The police said that both the accused have been arrested in a drug case that was busted on July 18, in which 35 kg of MD were seized, including 4 kg in hard form and 31 kg in liquid form, and 2 accused were arrested.