Ahmedabad Crime Branch seizes MD drugs worth ₹3 lakh from car near Nirma University

The Ahmedabad Crime Branch has arrested a 39-year-old man and seized 31 grams of mephedrone (MD drugs) worth ₹3.1 lakh from his car on the SG Highway near Nirma University. The total value of the seized contraband and related items, including a car and mobile phones, is estimated at ₹6.29 lakh.

According to crime branch official, the accused, identified as Amin alias Mundi Mansuri, a resident of Danilimda, was intercepted in the early hours of February 3 while travelling in a red Hyundai i20 from Adalaj towards Gota. Acting on specific and reliable intelligence, a team from the Crime Branch laid a trap near Nirma University and stopped the vehicle at around 7 am.

Police said Mansuri was found in possession of an off-white, powdery substance concealed in a plastic pouch. Preliminary testing by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) confirmed the substance to be mephedrone. After weighing, the net quantity of the contraband was found to be 31 grams.

During the search, police also seized three mobile phones, ₹4,500 in cash, the accused’s driving licence and the Hyundai i20 car allegedly used to transport the drugs. The car alone is valued at approximately ₹2 lakh, officials said.

Two other men Mohammad Jakir Mohammad Salim Sheikh (39) and Faizal Khan Abdul Latif Khan Pathan (31) — were also present in the vehicle at the time of interception. However, police said preliminary investigation suggested they were unaware of the narcotics being carried and had accompanied the accused under the pretext of a leisure trip to Mt Abu. They are currently being treated as witnesses, officials added.

During questioning, Mansuri allegedly disclosed that the seized mephedrone had been procured from Hitendrabhai alias Hitesh Rameshbhai Umangtar a resident of Banaskantha district. Police said further investigation is underway to trace the supplier and identify other links in the drug trafficking network.

The accused has been booked under Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act for illegal possession and conspiracy. The seized contraband has been sealed as per procedure, and samples have been sent for detailed forensic analysis.

Police officials said efforts are on to dismantle the supply chain and identify other persons involved in the case.