AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has dismantled an illegal drug manufacturing operation in Anand district, seizing 107 kilograms of alprazolam worth Rs 107 crore and arresting six individuals involved in the covert enterprise.
The raid, conducted on Thursday evening near Khambhat town, exposed a sophisticated factory dedicated to producing alprazolam, a potent psychotropic substance commonly used in sleeping pills. The production was being carried out without legal authorisation, violating the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Harsh Upadhyay stated, "The Central Bureau of Narcotics strictly regulates alprazolam production through licensed channels. These accused were operating without any legal authorisation."
According to the ATS, five individuals were directly involved in manufacturing the banned substance, while the sixth acted as the receiver. The group had strategically rented the factory specifically for this illegal operation.
This operation is the latest in Gujarat's aggressive crackdown on drug syndicates. Previous efforts include the interception of 518 kilograms of cocaine worth Rs 5,000 crore in Ankleshwar, achieved through a joint effort between Delhi and Gujarat police.
State records highlight significant progress in the battle against drug trafficking. In November, the Minister of State for Home revealed that Gujarat police had seized 87,000 kilograms of drugs over four years, with an estimated international market value of Rs 9,600 crore.
"The seizure of Rs 107 crore worth of alprazolam is a testament to the state’s commitment to eliminating illegal drug networks," Upadhyay added.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the operation and its potential connections to broader trafficking networks.