Exclusive: Gujarat Police uncovers drug trade near IIMA, NID, CEPT

In a significant breakthrough, the Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has exposed a widespread drug trade operating near renowned educational institutions including IIMA, NID, CEPT and others in Ahmedabad. Two individuals involved in drug trafficking were arrested by the SMC, one of whom was caught in an auto-rickshaw near the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) with a substantial quantity of narcotics. The investigation has revealed connections to a larger drug mafia network.

The arrested drug peddlers, identified as Matinmiya Sheikh (also known as Khaliu Sheikh) and Shahnawaz Pathan, were found in possession of drugs worth Rs 5.50 lakh. They were apprehended while attempting to sell MD drugs to students and other individuals near the IIM. The SMC’s operation also led to the identification of two drug suppliers, Bashir Khan Pathan and Azmal Khan Pathan, who were subsequently arrested.

Details of the operation and arrests

The suspects in police custody, Faisal Khan (also known as Bashir Khan Pathan), Azmal Khan Pathan, Matinmiya Sheikh, Shahnawaz Pathan, and their associates have been implicated in a large drug network. Following a tip-off, SMC discovered that drug trade activities were thriving around top educational institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, NID, CEPT University, Nirma University, Gujarat University, and PDPU Gandhinagar. The trade primarily targeted the youth and students, with reports surfacing of several cases involving the younger generation falling victim to drug addiction.

The two arrested peddlers, Matinmiya and Shahnawaz, were involved in the distribution of MD drugs, targeting students and other young people. They used rickshaws to transport drugs, and on the day of their arrest, they were caught red-handed by the SMC with a consignment of narcotics worth Rs 5.50 lakh. Upon interrogation, their links to the suppliers, Bashir Khan Pathan and Azmal Khan Pathan, were exposed, and both suppliers were subsequently arrested.

Key details of the Investigation

SMC officials revealed that Faisal Khan (Bashir Khan Pathan) is believed to be the mastermind behind the drug network. His family has been deeply involved in drug trafficking, with his brother Sanu having been sentenced to 10 years in prison for similar offences. Khan's parents were also reportedly involved in the drug trade, and further criminal cases have been filed against him.

Matinmiya Sheikh and Shahnawaz Pathan, both arrested for drug trafficking, operated as part of a well-organised network. Matinmiya, who had been previously caught in an NDPS case, was paid Rs 5,000 per trip for his role in the drug trade. Shahnawaz, a rickshaw driver, earned Rs 1,000 per day for trafficking drugs. The two accused had been supplying MD drugs to students of premier institutes of Ahmedabad. The drugs were sourced from Bashir Khan and Azmal Khan, with several buyers maintaining direct contact with the suppliers.

Response and future action

The SMC has formed special teams to monitor and curb the drug trade around educational institutions. To prevent further incidents, private surveillance has been set up outside institutions such as IIMA, NID, CEPT, Nirma University, and others. Additionally, two of the accused have been remanded to six days for further questioning, and court proceedings for remanding the drug suppliers are underway.

The investigation continues, with a focus on identifying other members of the drug network and rescuing students from addiction. The SMC has urged educational institutions to cooperate in safeguarding their students from drug abuse.