Investigation – Gujarat Police Uncover International Drug Supply Route
Investigation – Cross-border narcotics investigations gained fresh momentum after Gujarat Police uncovered an alleged drug trafficking chain linked to multiple Indian cities and overseas connections.
Ahmedabad Police have reported a major success in their ongoing campaign against illegal narcotics trade after recovering methamphetamine valued at approximately Rs 14.16 crore. The seizure, carried out in the Naroda area of the city, has led investigators to a suspected international network with links extending from Nigeria to India through Rajasthan and Maharashtra.
Intelligence Input Leads to Major Recovery
According to police officials, the operation began after law enforcement personnel received credible information about an individual allegedly transporting prohibited substances through the Nana Chiloda locality. Acting on the tip-off, a surveillance team was deployed near Nana Chiloda Garnala to monitor movements in the area.
During the operation, officers stopped a suspect carrying a travel bag and conducted a search under provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The inspection resulted in the recovery of a large quantity of methamphetamine concealed inside several packaged boxes stored within the bag.
Suspect Identified After Search Operation
Authorities identified the detained individual as Mohammed Sajid Sheikh, a resident of Andheri West in Mumbai. Investigators stated that five large boxes found inside his luggage contained methamphetamine in both crystal and powdered forms. The substances had allegedly been hidden carefully in an attempt to avoid detection during transportation.
Police officials described the recovery as one of the significant narcotics seizures recorded in the area in recent times.
Officials Outline Details of the Case
Speaking about the operation, Ahmedabad Joint Commissioner of Police Jaipal Singh Rathod said officers acted on source-based intelligence and successfully intercepted the suspect. Authorities recovered nearly 7.84 kilograms of methamphetamine during the search, with the estimated market value of the seized narcotics reaching Rs 14.16 crore.
In addition to the drugs, police confiscated mobile phones, cash, identification documents and the travel bag allegedly used for transporting the contraband.
Probe Reveals Wider Drug Network
As questioning of the accused progressed, investigators reportedly uncovered information suggesting the involvement of a larger trafficking organisation. Preliminary findings indicate that a Nigerian national known by the alias “Cuban” may have played a coordinating role within the network.
Investigators believe Sheikh was instructed to travel from Mumbai to Jaipur, where he allegedly received the consignment from an unidentified individual near the Sindhi Camp Bus Station. Police suspect that the package was intended to be transported through Ahmedabad before ultimately reaching Mumbai.
Couriers Used as Part of Layered Operations
Officials examining the case believe the trafficking structure relied on multiple intermediaries to shield senior operators from direct exposure. According to preliminary findings, the arrested courier may have been assigned only the transportation task and allegedly promised a payment of Rs 10,000 for carrying the consignment.
Investigators say such arrangements are commonly used by organised criminal networks to reduce risks for those managing larger operations behind the scenes.
Investigation Expands Beyond State Borders
A formal case has been registered under the NDPS Act, and the accused has been taken into custody. Law enforcement agencies are now working to identify the suspected Nigerian handler as well as the person believed to have transferred the narcotics in Jaipur.
Authorities are also reviewing digital communications, financial transactions and other electronic evidence to determine the full scale of the network. Officials suspect the seized consignment could be connected to a broader trafficking system operating across several states and potentially involving international supply channels.
The latest development is being viewed as an important step in Gujarat’s efforts to combat organised drug crime. However, investigators believe further arrests and discoveries may follow as the inquiry continues into the network exposed through the Naroda operation.