Gujarat ATS Cracks Down on International Drug Export Racket
The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has intensified its crackdown on a sophisticated international drug export racket, arresting two additional suspects and confiscating a substantial 22 kilograms of the banned psychotropic substance etomidate. This operation is part of an ongoing investigation that has already led to the detention of a key figure in the syndicate.
Details of the Arrests and Seizure
On Sunday, the ATS apprehended Chetan Vavadiya and Bhautik Padmani, who are suspected of playing crucial roles in sourcing and exporting the contraband. This follows the arrest on Friday of Nikunj Gadhiya, a 28-year-old Surat-based businessman identified as the alleged mastermind of the operation. The case was originally registered on March 7 under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
According to officials, the racket involved illegally exporting etomidate powder from Mumbai airport to several Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. The accused employed forged documents and false declarations to ship the substance, mislabelling it as herbal or cosmetic products such as aloe vera powder and Ginopol-24 powder to avoid detection.
Investigation and Evidence
During searches at offices linked to the accused, authorities recovered purchase bills and stock registers that confirmed the systematic mislabelling and export of etomidate. An ATS officer stated, "These documents provide concrete evidence of how the substance was being disguised and shipped abroad."
In interrogation, Gadhiya allegedly disclosed that he arranged six parcels weighing 25.5 kilograms for export to Malaysia on February 28 via Mumbai air cargo. Approximately 22 kilograms of this consignment was etomidate powder, declared as aloe vera samples. Intelligence alerts shared with customs and the courier company led to the interception of these parcels.
Police inspector V N Bharwad utilized a Raman spectrograph drug detector to examine the seized parcels, confirming the presence of etomidate. This substance is classified as a psychotropic or controlled drug in several Southeast Asian nations, where it commands high prices, making the illegal operation highly profitable.
Expanding Probe and Future Steps
The ATS is now broadening its investigation to trace the wider network involved in procuring the drug, preparing fraudulent export documents, and coordinating overseas deliveries. Investigators are reviewing previous shipments handled by the accused firms to assess the full scale of the operation and identify potential international connections.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating cross-border drug trafficking and underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between law enforcement agencies to disrupt such lucrative criminal enterprises.
