In a major operation, the Gujarat Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) has seized 5 kg heroin from Salaya in Devbhumi Dwarka district and arrested two persons. The value of the seized drug consignment, with origins in Pakistan, and having suspected nexus with terror organisations, is estimated at Rs15 crore in the international market, officials said.
ATS said that one Aziz Abdul Bhagad was arrested from Salaya after he was found to be in possession of 5 kg "pure heroin" on Sunday. The arrest was made on the basis of specific information.
According to ATS, the seized drugs were part of a bigger consignment of 100 kg, which was brought to Mandvi, Kutch, from Pakistan four months ago. The remaining part of the consignment had been transferred to some other people for sale in northern states, the agency said.
"The heroin was brought by the accused via sea route by using dhows and fishing trawlers. The origin of the consignment is in Pakistan, and delivery of the consignment was made in international waters," the agency said in a statement.
During interrogation, Aziz Abdul Bhagad revealed that two more persons of Mandvi were involved in the conspiracy to smuggle the drug consignment into India. The ATS said that it had also arrested Arif Adam Sumra, a co-conspirator, from Mandvi.
"Information available with investigation agency indicates nexus of terror organisations in the smuggling of contraband heroin. Further, there are clear linkages found between this case and the one where Australian Navy had intercepted a dhow carrying heroin in 2014," ATS said.
The seizure of heroin comes a few days after state's Director General of Police (DGP) Shivanand Jha directed police to crack down on drug trade. Jha had directed the Special Operations Group (SOG) to work with the ATS to conducted raids to prevent sale and consumption of drugs. Earlier this week, the Narcotics Control Bureau had arrested a Nigerian national from CTM and seized 273 gram cocaine worth Rs1.5 crore from him. The same day, police in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar seized 34 kg ganja and arrested five people in two separate cases.
CRIME SHEET
- ATS said that one Aziz Abdul Bhagad was arrested from Salaya after he was found to be in possession of 5 kg “pure heroin” on Sunday.
- Seizure of heroin comes a few days after state’s DGP directed police to crack down on drug trade.
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