Gujarat's Battle Against Drugs: Seizing 87,000 Kg of Narcotics in Four Years

Over the last four years, Gujarat has seized 87,000 kilograms of drugs worth Rs 9,600 crore, leading to the arrest of 2,600 individuals. The state initiated an anti-drugs campaign to further combat this issue, with efforts extending from urban centers to rural areas.

In a significant crackdown on narcotics, Gujarat has seized more than 87,000 kilograms of drugs valued at Rs 9,600 crore over the past four years. State minister Harsh Sanghavi reported that this effort has led to the arrest of 2,600 individuals.

At the launch of an anti-drugs campaign spearheaded by the Gujarat police, Sanghavi highlighted that 251 cases have been registered, and 353 individuals have been arrested this year alone.

"We are waging a war against this menace," said Sanghavi. The campaign aims to extend the fight against drugs from urban centers to rural areas. Senior officials will oversee district-level efforts to spread awareness and monitor progress.

Police records reveal that between 2021 and June 2024, 2,607 people were arrested and 87,605 kg of narcotics worth Rs 9,679 crore were confiscated. This figure excludes seizures made by central agencies like the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence and Narcotics Control Bureau.

The state's anti-drugs drive also focuses on educational and religious institutions, involving social media influencers and community leaders. A dedicated budget has been approved for more rehabilitation centers, in coordination with the Health Department, to provide timely treatment and counseling for addicts.

Sanghavi criticized the politicization of the drug issue, stating, "Gujarat is number one in catching drugs, not consuming them. We are defamed for our success in drug seizures." Sanghavi noted that recent narcotics recoveries on the coast were likely from international smugglers.

Sanghavi praised the efforts of local officials who have been rewarded for their vigilance.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)