Major Drug Bust in Surat: SMC Seizes Mephedrone Worth Rs 31.60 Lakh, Arrests Three
In a significant anti-narcotics operation, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of Surat conducted a targeted raid on an apartment located in the Dindoli area, leading to the seizure of a substantial quantity of mephedrone, commonly known as MD. The authorities confiscated 1,053 grams of the synthetic drug, with an estimated street value of Rs 31.60 lakh. This operation resulted in the arrest of three individuals, all natives of Rajasthan, who are suspected of being key suppliers of the drug within Surat.
Details of the Raid and Arrests
The raid was executed by a team led by Police Inspector C H Panara at Regent Plaza. According to police reports, the trio had previously delivered one consignment of mephedrone in the city approximately a month ago. They had returned to Surat to deliver a second consignment when the SMC team apprehended them during the raid.
The arrested individuals have been identified as:
- Om Prakash Jat
- Mahendra Joshi
- Chailsingh Purohit
Police investigations revealed that Chailsingh Purohit has a criminal history, with previous cases registered against him under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, as well as charges related to abduction and extortion. Om Prakash Jat also has a prior record, having been booked earlier under the NDPS Act.
Background and Connections to the Textile Industry
Investigators disclosed that Mahendra Joshi, who formerly operated a textile business in Surat, allegedly played a pivotal role in introducing Chailsingh Purohit to the city for the purpose of selling mephedrone. After experiencing financial losses in the textile sector, Joshi transitioned to real estate broking. It is alleged that he provided accommodation to Purohit at his residence to facilitate the drug trade.
An officer involved in the case stated, "The accused had earlier delivered a consignment to wanted accused Amit Kaaba, who is also linked to the textile business. Joshi introduced Kaaba to Jat and Purohit. Jat allegedly sourced the MD from wanted accused Rajesh Patidar and Kanwar Pal Singh, both residents of Jhalawar in Rajasthan. We are investigating whether the drug was being manufactured in Jhalawar."
Police suspect that the mephedrone was being supplied in small quantities to several individuals employed in the textile industry, indicating a targeted distribution network within this sector.
Further Investigations and Legal Proceedings
Sources indicated that Om Prakash Jat previously owned a restaurant in Luni, Rajasthan, but faced business losses, which may have led to his involvement in illicit activities. The three accused were arrested on Wednesday and are scheduled to be produced before a court on Thursday for further legal proceedings.
This bust highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies in Surat to combat drug trafficking, particularly focusing on networks that exploit local industries like textiles. The SMC continues to investigate the broader connections and potential manufacturing sources in Rajasthan to dismantle the supply chain completely.
