The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has apprehended two more individuals and confiscated 22 kg of etomidate in an investigation concerning an alleged scheme exporting the anaesthetic drug overseas under false pretenses via air cargo from Mumbai. The case was initiated on March 7 following intelligence reports indicating that shipments of etomidate powder were being sent to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and other nations by misrepresenting them as different products with fabricated documentation. The ATS revealed that the consignments were inaccurately labeled as “aloe vera powder” and “Ginopol-24 powder,” with counterfeit invoices and forged customs clearance papers to aid in their export through Mumbai airport.
Officials disclosed that Nikunj Gadhiya, a 28-year-old businessman from Surat, was previously arrested in connection with the case. During the investigation on March 8, two more suspects, Chetan Vavadiya (28) and Bhaumik Padmani (32), were apprehended. Searches were conducted at the suspects’ affiliated companies’ premises, where investigators scrutinized purchase bills and stock registers of etomidate, confirming the mislabeling and misdeclaration of the substance before its overseas dispatch. Gadhiya admitted arranging the dispatch of six parcels on February 28, weighing 25.5 kg, with 22 kg containing etomidate, destined for Malaysia via air cargo.
The parcels were intercepted in Mumbai and examined using a Raman spectrograph drug detector kit, confirming the presence of etomidate. The case has been filed under specific sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and further investigations are ongoing. Previous ATS probes suggested that the three businessmen operated through various firms like DWN Bioscience, Neutral Pharma, Om Herbs, Jani Pharma, and Rudra Enterprise to export etomidate abroad disguised as cosmetic or herbal products. Initial findings indicated that over 125 kg of the drug had been exported to countries such as Malaysia and Thailand using similar methods. Authorities are actively investigating to identify other individuals associated with the network and uncover potential international ties.
