In a significant operation, the Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has exposed a large-scale drug trade targeting students near renowned educational institutions, including the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), National Institute of Design (NID), CEPT University, and others in Ahmedabad. The police arrested two individuals, Matinmiya Sheikh (also known as Khaliu Sheikh) and Shahnawaz Pathan, for trafficking narcotics worth Rs 5.50 lakh.
The arrested suspects were caught attempting to sell MD drugs to students and others near IIM. Following the arrests, the investigation revealed connections to a larger drug mafia network, with further arrests made, including two suppliers, Bashir Khan Pathan and Azmal Khan Pathan.
The investigation into the drug trafficking network revealed that the trade was thriving around top educational institutions such as IIM Ahmedabad, NID, CEPT University, Nirma University, and PDPU Gandhinagar. The drugs were primarily aimed at students, and several young individuals had fallen victim to addiction.
The suspects, Matinmiya Sheikh and Shahnawaz Pathan, were involved in transporting and distributing MD drugs using auto-rickshaws. On the day of their arrest, they were caught red-handed with a substantial drug consignment. Both were connected to suppliers Bashir Khan and Azmal Khan Pathan, who were also arrested following interrogation.
Police identified Faisal Khan, also known as Bashir Khan Pathan, as the mastermind behind the drug network. His family had been heavily involved in drug trafficking, with his brother Sanu having previously been sentenced to 10 years in prison for similar offenses. Further investigations revealed that his parents were also implicated in the illegal trade.
The two arrested peddlers were part of an organized network, with Matinmiya Sheikh previously involved in an NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) case. He earned Rs 5,000 per trip for trafficking drugs. Shahnawaz Pathan, a rickshaw driver, earned Rs 1,000 a day for transporting narcotics. The drugs were primarily sourced from Bashir Khan and Azmal Khan, with direct communication between the buyers and suppliers.
The SMC has launched special teams to monitor the situation and curb the drug trade around educational institutions. To prevent further drug abuse, private surveillance has been set up around institutions such as IIM, NID, and CEPT. Two of the accused have been remanded for six days for further questioning, while court proceedings for the suppliers are underway.
The investigation continues, with the SMC focusing on identifying additional members of the drug network and working with educational institutions to rescue students from addiction. The authorities have urged all institutions to cooperate in safeguarding their students from drug abuse.
