In Ahmedabad, a large-scale operation against drug abuse was recently conducted by the local police. This initiative aimed to curb drug trafficking and illegal drug sales. The Ahmedabad rural police launched the operation across three major areas to ensure public safety and tackle drug misuse.
The search operation focused on medical stores in the Ahmedabad rural area. Authorities examined whether these stores were illegally selling scheduled H drugs and complying with prescription drug regulations. This operation is a significant step in the ongoing battle against drug abuse in the region.
In addition to medical stores, the police also checked paan parlours for the illegal sale of tobacco products to minors. This was part of their efforts to prevent underage tobacco use under the Juvenile Justice Act and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COPTA).
The operation was led by 24 teams from the Ahmedabad rural police, including Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), Station House Officers (SHOs), the Special Operations Group (SOG), and Local Crime Branch (LCB) units. Coordination was provided by the SOG Police Inspector.
The operation took place in four divisions: Viramgam, Dholka, Sanand, and Dhandhuka. A total of six cases were filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, with one case in Viramgam and three in Dholka, where most cases were recorded.
Following the inspection of medical stores, 144 cases were registered. In Dhandhuka, 16 medical stores were checked; Viramgam had 36; Dholka had 19; and Sanand had 73 stores inspected, the highest number in one division.
The inspections revealed violations of medical store regulations, with 16 stores found in breach of the rules. In Viramgam, 2 violations were noted; in Dholka, 4 violations were reported, all receiving notices; and in Sanand, 10 violations were found, with 2 stores sealed and 8 receiving notices.
Under the Juvenile Justice Act, 3 cases were filed, all in Sanand. Additionally, 369 cases were registered under COPTA, with 40 cases in Dhandhuka, 57 in Viramgam, 87 in Dholka, and 185 in Sanand. The highest number of COPTA cases was in Sanand, where fines totaling ₹54,400 were collected, including ₹17,400 in Dholka and ₹37,000 in Sanand.
This operation underscores the ongoing efforts of the Ahmedabad rural police to combat drug abuse and illegal sales. Authorities emphasize the importance of community awareness and involvement in fighting this issue, as the health and safety of the public depend on it. The rise in drug-related incidents in Gujarat has sparked concern among local officials, prompting calls for stricter action and community support to protect the youth from the dangers of drug abuse.
On International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised those working towards addiction recovery. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to eliminate drugs from society, highlighting the importance of saving lives from the darkness and destruction caused by substance abuse. The operations conducted by the police serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in the battle against drugs and the commitment required from all sectors of society to address this pressing issue.