Drugs weighing 41,000 kg, valued at Rs 3,727 crore, were confiscated in Gujarat over two years, as per the Legislative Assembly. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted the state’s zero-tolerance policy against narcotics. The government, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, aims for a “Drug-Free Gujarat.”
Properties worth Rs 32.20 crore owned by drug traffickers in Kutch district were seized. Sanghavi mentioned the demolition of illegal constructions linked to the drug trade using ‘Dada’s bulldozer.’ In Jamnagar, illegal houses built by drug mafias on gauchar and government land were also razed.
Gujarat Police collaborated with other state forces to dismantle inter-state drug networks, including the “Pandi Brothers.” Drug manufacturing units were uncovered in Gujarat and other states. Comprehensive investigations were conducted post arrests of drug peddlers and cartels to tackle all aspects of the trade.
The government’s approach combines legal enforcement with humanitarian efforts. Instead of imprisonment, initiatives like counseling in cities such as Surat and Ahmedabad aim to reintegrate drug-addicted youth into society. New de-addiction centers in every district are part of this year’s budget allocation.
Minister of State Kaushik Vekariya shared that 1,647 drug-related offenses were registered in the last two years in Gujarat. Around 41,000 kg of drugs were seized, with an estimated value of Rs 3,727 crore. Notably, Jamnagar and Kutch districts saw 135 offenses, 306 arrests, and seizures exceeding Rs 244.59 crore.
Vekariya emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating drugs and rewarding informants. An Anti-Narcotics Task Force operates in six zones to disrupt drug networks. Gujarat boasts the country’s lowest drug-related crime rate at 0.8, attributing it to intensified public engagement in combating the issue.
