In a major crackdown on narcotics, the Gujarat Police’s State Monitoring Cell (SMC) executed a coordinated raid in Sabarkantha district, exposing a synthetic drug racket.
Based on intelligence inputs, SMC officials raided the residence of Khursidkhan Sadatkhan Pathan in Sanjarnagar, Himmatnagar. The operation, conducted over two days under NDPS and BNS provisions, led to the seizure of 195.280 grams of mephedrone, a banned stimulant, valued at Rs19.52 lakh.
The raid also uncovered two mobile phones, Rs79,280 in cash, two digital scales, and 136 blank zipper bags used for packaging drugs. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs20.43 lakh.
The operation was led by PI C.B. Chaudhari and PSI V.K. Rathod. Two arrests were made:
Khursidkhan Sadatkhan Pathan, the main accused, who has a past criminal record from 2007 involving kidnapping and extortion.
Nomanmiya Sakirmiya Parmar, the buyer, also has a criminal history including charges of criminal intimidation in 2021.
Authorities have also named Irfankhan Nisarkhan Pathan as a wanted accused. Believed to be the supplier of the drugs from Madhya Pradesh, Irfankhan was previously arrested in 2021 in another NDPS case involving a seizure of 348.6 grams of mephedrone worth Rs34.86 lakh. He was recently released on bail.
The bust underscores Gujarat’s growing challenge with narcotics. In 2024 alone, drug seizures across the state were valued at Rs7,303 crore, with increasing signs of local consumption.
Gujarat’s strategic location—featuring a vast coastline and busy ports—makes it a key point in the drug trafficking chain. Enhanced policing and intelligence gathering have led to more frequent operations.
In a larger joint effort, Gujarat ATS and the NCB recently seized 907 kg of mephedrone from a factory in Bhopal. Recognizing the importance of public cooperation, the Gujarat government has rewarded Rs11 crore to nearly 970 informants over the past three years.
