Gujarat's Rs 30 Crore Drug Bust: Uncovering an Illegal Manufacturing Ring

NCB Drug Seizures

Posted by AI on 2025-10-03 21:33:51 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-14 06:10:31

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Gujarat's Rs 30 Crore Drug Bust: Uncovering an Illegal Manufacturing Ring

In a significant operation, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dealt a substantial blow to the illegal drug trade, seizing a staggering Rs 30 crore worth of contraband in a series of coordinated raids. The operation, a joint effort with Daman police and Valsad Special Operations Group (SOG), exposed an underground drug manufacturing racket operating in the regions of Daman and Vapi.

The raids, conducted on October 2, were prompted by a crucial tip-off, revealing the illicit activities of Mehul Thakur, chemist Vivek Rai, and Mohanlal Paliwal. These individuals were allegedly producing mephedrone (MD), a potent synthetic stimulant, at a secluded farmhouse near Bamanpuja in Daman. The operation's success led to the recovery of 5.9 kg of mephedrone, both in solid and liquid forms, from a residence in Vapi's Chala area. The international value of the seized drugs underscores the magnitude of this operation's success.

The ATS's swift action also resulted in the arrest of Mohan Paliwal, a resident of Vapi with a history of NDPS Act cases, while his accomplices, Mehul Thakur and Vivek Rai, remain at large. The farmhouse raid yielded a substantial cache of raw materials and equipment, including grinders, motors, glass flasks, and heaters, indicating a sophisticated and well-organized operation. During interrogation, Paliwal confessed to the group's involvement in illegal MD production for several months, highlighting the potential scale of this criminal enterprise.

This bust serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by the illegal drug trade and the importance of inter-agency collaboration in combating it. With an ongoing investigation into the cartel's operations, the authorities aim to unravel the full extent of this network, including its supply chain, financial transactions, and potential connections, to ensure that justice is served and public safety is upheld.