The Sihor Police in Bhavnagar district, Gujarat seized narcotic crops and related materials valued at over Rs 10.92 crore after uncovering illegal cultivation in the boundary area of Sakhvadar and Sar villages.
The raid, conducted on Sunday morning following a specific tip-off, targeted an orchard situated on a slope in Sihor taluka. Officers recovered:
1,087.52 kg of green opium poppy plants – Rs 10,86,98,000
26 kg of dried poppy husk – Rs 3,90,900
19 kg of green ganja plants – Rs 1,91,400
Two mobile phones – Rs 5,000
Other items: mats, Aadhaar cards, land record copies, a light bulb, a saree, and a plastic bag
The total estimated value of the seized narcotics is Rs 10,92,85,300.
The accused have been identified as Sanjaybhai Chauhan (55) and Boghabhai Chauhan (53), agriculturists and residents of Sakhvadar village boundary, Sihor taluka. They have been charged under Sections 8(B), 8(C), 15(B), 18(B), 20(A), 20(B)(II), and 29 of the NDPS Act, with further legal proceedings underway.
This seizure is part of a series of recent anti-narcotics operations in Gujarat. On February 18, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad and Indian Coast Guard intercepted an Iranian-registered speedboat off Porbandar, seizing 203 kg of suspected narcotics and arresting two Iranian nationals.
Earlier, on February 17, the Anti Narcotics Task Force of CID Crime Unit, Ahmedabad recovered 30.60 grams of mephedrone valued at approximately Rs 91,800 in the Khadia area. One person was arrested, while two others were named in the complaint as investigations continue.
