During the Lok Sabha elections, Gujarat has emerged as a major hotspot for drug seizures, contributing to nearly one-third of the total value of drugs confiscated nationwide by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Data released by the ECI indicates that from March 1 to May 18, drug seizures worth Rs 3,958.85 crore were made, representing approximately 45% of the total worth of seized items, which stands at Rs 8,889 crore.
Gujarat’s Major Share in Drug Seizures:
Of the total value of drug seizures, Gujarat accounted for Rs 1,187.8 crore or nearly 30%. The ECI highlighted the increased vigilance against inducements, including drugs and psychotropic substances, which has led to significant seizure actions.
Regular follow-ups, reviews of districts, and the active participation of enforcement agencies have contributed to this notable increase in seizures.
High-Value Operations and Seizures:
Three major operations were pivotal in these large-scale drug seizures. These operations resulted in confiscating drugs worth Rs 602 crore, Rs 230 crore, and Rs 60 crore, respectively.
Joint efforts by the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and the Indian Coast Guard were instrumental in these high-value seizures, amounting to Rs 892 crore over three days.
Detailed Account of Major Operations:
In the largest operation, a joint force identified and intercepted a fishing boat carrying 14 crew members, all Pakistani nationals, 180 nautical miles off the coast of Porbandar, Gujarat.
This operation led to the recovery of 78 boxes of contraband suspected to be heroin, weighing roughly 86 kgs and valued at nearly Rs 602 crore in the international market.
Another significant operation involved the Gujarat ATS receiving inputs about illicit manufacturing units in Rajasthan and Gujarat producing psychotropic substances like mephedrone.
Joint teams conducted simultaneous raids in Amreli, Gandhinagar, Sirohi, and Jodhpur, resulting in the seizure of 22 kgs of mephedrone powder and 124 liters of liquid mephedrone. Ten individuals have been detained in connection with these operations.
In a third major operation, the Gujarat ATS, Indian Coast Guard, and NCB jointly seized 173 kg of hashish worth Rs 60.5 crore on April 29.
Drug Seizures Impact on Election Integrity:
The heightened vigilance and significant drug seizures reflect the ECI’s commitment to ensuring fair elections by curbing the use of illicit substances as inducements.
These measures aim to maintain the integrity of the electoral cycle and prevent any undue influence on voters through illegal means.
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