Gujarat ATS busts clandestine drugs factory in Chala, 5 held including parole absconder, son

In a major operation against the narcotics trade, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), in coordination with the Vapi Special Operations Group (SOG), unearthed a clandestine drugs manufacturing unit in the Chala area of Vapi on Thursday and arrested five persons, including a parole absconder and his son.

According to ATS officials, the raid was carried out following a specific intelligence input that a synthetic drugs factory was being run secretly in a rented premises in Chala, on the outskirts of Vapi in Valsad district. “The unit was functioning under the guise of a small-scale industrial set-up. During the search, chemicals, equipment and finished narcotic substances were seized,” an ATS officer said.

Those arrested include the alleged kingpin, a convict who had jumped parole, and his son who is believed to have been managing day-to-day operations at the factory. Three other associates involved in the production and supply chain were also taken into custody.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the accused were manufacturing synthetic drugs for distribution in Gujarat and neighbouring states. Officials said the network was spread across Valsad, Surat and parts of Maharashtra. “This was a well-organised operation that had been running for several months. We are verifying the financial trail and their supply links,” the officer added.

The ATS has registered an FIR under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis to determine the nature and quantity of the drugs seized.

Police said more arrests are likely as the interrogation of the accused continues.