Despite its “dry state” reputation, Gujarat is facing a troubling surge in the trade of alcohol, drugs, and cannabis (marijuana or ganja) being seized at ports, farms, and urban areas. The authorities’ struggles in enforcing the Gujarat Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act have cast a shadow over the state's prohibition policies.

Over the last three months, there have been various reports of cannabis plantations in Gujarat. Various reports from different cities across the state have come to light.

In Vadgam of Banaskatha’s Kankrej, a cannabis plantation was found on three acres of land by the police. It is worth crores of rupees in the market.

Cannabis in Saurashtra

In a separate case, 630 gms of dry cannabis and 34 crops of cannabis plant were found in Osa village in Mangrol, Junagadh.

While in Surendranagar, 2 kg of cannabis was seized along with a plantation on the farm in Nana Kandhsar village.

Ahmedabad cannabis cases

Notably, at Ahmedabad’s Gujarat Technological University (GTU), two fully-grown cannabis (marijuana or ganja) plants were found on the hostel campus.

In a separate case, Sarkhej police arrested three for cultivating cannabis (ganja or marijuana) using a hydroponic technique in residential flats near Sardar Patel Road on Sept 3.

The police seized almost 100 pots in which cannabis was being cultivated.

In Arvalli’s Meghraj, 41 crops of cannabis were found at the farm, along with 10.7 kg of cannabis.

19 crops were also found in Hathloni village, Nadiad.

The ministry of home affairs (MHA) on Aug 2 provided the details of major drug smuggling cases at Mundra port in Kutch. 

Drugs worth approx ₹21,000 crore have been seized across a span of two years. Four major drug raids took place from 2021 to 2023 at the Mundra Port. A total of 3,114 kg of drugs was seized during this period.

The surge in Gujarat’s ganja menace is a concerning issue for the state’s law and order.

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