Gujarat Police seize 33 kg of ganja worth ₹3 lakh in truck with iron pipes in Rajkot

In a major operation against narcotics trafficking, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of the Gujarat Police apprehended two individuals and seized 33.125 kilograms of ganja (cannabis) from a truck in Rajkot on April 23. The contraband was allegedly being smuggled under the guise of transporting iron pipes.

Based on a tip-off, a team of officials intercepted an Ashok Leyland truck near Parth Industries, Navapura Road in Rajkot. On searching the vehicle, the police discovered 33.125 kg of ganja concealed in the rear carrier of the cabin. The seized narcotics are estimated to be worth ₹3.31 lakh, while the total value of the seizure, including other items, is pegged at ₹23.44 lakh.

The arrested accused have been identified as:

(1) Riyazsha Umarsha Fakir of Gondal, Rajkot (truck driver)

(2) Zafar alias Bhuro Jikarbhai Solanki of Raya Road, Rajkot (cleaner)

Preliminary investigation revealed that the seized ganja originated from the forest areas of Ganjam district, Odisha, near the Chhattisgarh border. The accused admitted to sourcing the narcotics from Odisha with the intent to sell it in Gujarat. Police have also named Moin Jikarbhai Solanki, believed to be involved in the procurement and transportation of the drugs, as a co-accused in the case.

A formal complaint under various Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, has been registered at the State Monitoring Cell Police Station in Gandhinagar. Further investigation is on.