9.8 kg Ganja Worth ₹5.6 Lakh Seized in Ahmedabad

Tightening its anti-narcotics drive ahead of the 149th Jagannath Rath Yatra, the Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) has seized 9.8 kg of ganja and arrested two persons, including an accused wanted in an earlier NDPS case. Police have also launched an investigation into an interstate drug supply network with suspected links to Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The seizure was made after Crime Branch officers intercepted an autorickshaw on the service road near Adinath Stone Godown in Pal Park Society on the CTM-Narol-Naroda Road during intensified security checks ahead of the Rath Yatra.

What police found

During the search, officers recovered:

• 9.8 kg of ganja worth approximately ₹4.90 lakh
• An autorickshaw used for transportation
• Two mobile phones
• Other articles

The total value of the seized property has been estimated at ₹5.60 lakh.

A case has been registered at the Crime Branch police station under relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Two arrested, one was already wanted

The arrested accused have been identified as Israel Khan Enullah Khan (33), a resident of Akola in Maharashtra, and Mohammad Sajid Kamaruddin Pathan (42), a resident of Goramshah Nagar in Ahmedabad's Ramol area.

Police said Israel Khan was already wanted in an NDPS case registered at the Danilimda police station and had been evading arrest.

Probe points to wider interstate network

During interrogation, the accused allegedly disclosed that the consignment had been arranged by Mohsin Baba, a resident of Akola, Maharashtra, who is currently absconding.

Investigators believe Israel Khan was tasked with transporting the ganja in return for payment, while the consignment was allegedly meant to be delivered to Mohammad Sajid for distribution in Ahmedabad and surrounding areas.

Based on the disclosures, the Crime Branch has begun efforts to trace Mohsin Baba and identify other members of the network.

The investigation has also expanded to examine possible links with narcotics suppliers operating in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Police are now tracking the financial trail, supply chain and intended recipients of the seized contraband.

Security drive ahead of Rath Yatra

Both accused were produced before a court, which granted police remand for further interrogation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Bharat Patel said the seizure was part of the Crime Branch's special enforcement drive ahead of the Rath Yatra, with intensified action being taken against organised crime and narcotics trafficking to ensure peaceful celebrations across Ahmedabad.