Gujarat, Rajasthan ATS seize 5 kg meth worth ₹25 crore, arrest two

In a breakthrough against cross-border narcotics trafficking, a joint operation by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and Rajasthan ATS has led to the seizure of approximately 5 kg of methamphetamine, valued at an estimated ₹25 crore, and the arrest of two accused from Rajasthan.

Acting on specific intelligence, ATS Police Inspector J M Patel received information that two individuals, identified as Shankarram and Salman, were transporting a consignment of methamphetamine sourced via a Pakistani smuggler operating along the international border in Rajasthan. The consignment was allegedly being moved for delivery to associates further inland.

Following the tip-off, the information was relayed to senior ATS officials. The operation conducted in coordination with Rajasthan ATS, a joint team conducted intensive patrolling and established a naka-bandi on National Highway 68, which connects Jaisalmer in Rajasthan to Banaskantha in Gujarat. On the evening of April 6, during routine vehicle checks, a suspicious Maruti Eeco car was intercepted.

Upon inspection, the two accused, Shankarram Rameshram and Salman Lalakhan, were found inside the vehicle. A yellow-coloured bag recovered from their possession contained five transparent packets of a suspected narcotic substance. Preliminary verification confirmed the substance to be methamphetamine, a prohibited synthetic drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The consignment, weighing approximately 5 kg, was seized, and both individuals were taken into custody. A case has been registered at Sadar Barmer Police Station in Rajasthan under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act and further legal proceedings are under way.

During preliminary interrogation, investigators learned that the contraband had been smuggled across the India-Pakistan border by a handler identified as Masaat Mubarak, a resident of the Tharparkar region in Pakistan. The consignment was allegedly dropped in the Barmer district, from where it was collected by the accused.

Officials said that crucial digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, call records and videos, has been retrieved from the accused’s mobile phones. This is expected to aid in unravelling the broader network involved in the inter-state and international drug trafficking operation.

The ATS described the operation as a significant step in curbing narcotics smuggling networks and highlighted the importance of inter-agency coordination in tackling organised crime. Further investigation is ongoing to identify additional accused and dismantle the wider syndicate.