SMC NDPS raid near Somnath Mahadev temple, 4 arrested with 7.45 kg ganja

In a major crackdown on narcotics trafficking, the State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of Gujarat Police on Monday carried out an NDPS raid near Somnath Mahadev Temple in Golathara village, leading to the arrest of four persons, including a juvenile, and the seizure of 7.45 kg of ganja valued at ₹3.72 lakh, officials said.

The raid was conducted on January 5, 2026, under the jurisdiction of the State Monitoring Cell police station, following specific inputs about the illegal movement of narcotics in the area.

During the operation, police seized ganja weighing 7 kg 450 grams, valued at ₹3.72 lakh, four mobile phones, worth ₹90,000 and one Ertiga car, valued at ₹7 lakh. The total value of the seized muddamal is estimated at ₹11.62 lakh, police said.

The arrested accused have been identified as:

1. Nisharg Kantibhai Mali, resident of Adalaj, Gandhinagar

2. Mohammed Mohsin Faridmiya Shaikh, resident of Gandhinagar

3. Kaushik Ramanbhai Thakor, resident of Adalaj Gam, Gandhinagar

4. A minor, whose identity has been withheld as per legal provisions

An offence has been registered under Sections of the NDPS Act, along with sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections of the Juvenile Justice Act, officials said.

While two more accused are on the run, identified as  Bakabhai alias Batuk Dabhi, a resident of Mehsana district, alleged to be the supplier of ganja and Sabbirkhan Dilawarkhan Pathan, a resident of Kalol taluka of Gandhinagar district, accused of placing the order for the contraband. 

An investigation is under way to trace and apprehend the absconding accused.