Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport is facing a growing issue of drug smuggling. Recently, authorities caught a passenger arriving from Bangkok with a massive haul of cannabis worth ₹2 crore. This incident is part of a troubling trend at the airport, with reports of drug consignments arriving daily.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has stepped up its efforts against this illegal activity. In just two months, they have seized around ₹50 crore worth of hybrid cannabis. The agency has alerted various central agencies, including the Ahmedabad Crime Branch and other law enforcement units, to combat this surge in drug trafficking.
On a recent flight from Bangkok, an Indian national was caught with 2.09 kg of hybrid cannabis hidden in his trolley bag. The authorities received a tip-off about the suspect, leading to his interception during customs clearance. Upon investigation, they discovered two packets of green plant material, which tested positive for cannabis.
The DRI’s proactive measures have led to multiple arrests. Recently, seven individuals were taken into custody for attempting to smuggle 1.75 kg of hybrid marijuana valued at ₹2.11 crore. Four of the suspects had flown in from Thailand, while the others were waiting to receive the drugs.
The investigation revealed that these smugglers operated under a larger network. One key figure, Ashraf Khan, allegedly organized trips for individuals to smuggle drugs into India. Upon their return, smugglers would hide cannabis in their luggage, sometimes within cushions. In exchange for their travel and accommodation, these individuals would receive a sum of money, while Khan kept the operation running.
One of the arrested, Manisha Kharari, was responsible for collecting the drugs from the smugglers upon their return. The operation also involved local transport, with one suspect serving as a rickshaw driver to facilitate the movement of the drugs from the airport.
The DRI is now working to trace the origins of these drugs and dismantle the entire smuggling network. This crackdown highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in India and the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protect public health and safety.
As these activities continue to rise, the collaboration among various agencies is crucial. Authorities are increasing surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent further incidents. The public is also encouraged to report suspicious activities at the airport to aid in these efforts.
The recent actions taken by the DRI and other agencies reflect a strong commitment to addressing the issue of drug trafficking. With continued vigilance, they hope to curb the flow of illegal substances into the country and ensure the safety of its citizens.