Gujarat Drug Bust: LCB and SOG Nab Suspect at Veraval Sea, Local Connection Investigated

Veraval : In a significant development connected to the massive Rs. 350 crore drug haul at Veraval port, a joint team of Local Crime Branch (LCB) and Special Operations Group (SOG) apprehended a suspect from a fishing boat about 20 nautical miles offshore. This arrest raises suspicions of a local network linked to the international drug trafficking ring.

Earlier, authorities seized a massive quantity of heroin worth Rs. 350 crore at Veraval port. The investigation led to the arrest of Tandel, the boat operator who transported the drugs, along with two individuals from Jamnagar who were supposed to receive them. During interrogation, Tandel revealed the involvement of Mama, a fugitive from Jamnagar’s Jodia village with a history of drug trafficking, who allegedly operates a drug network stretching from Africa.

Further investigation based on the initial arrests also uncovered a similar drug smuggling operation at Veraval port last year. Following this lead, the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) apprehended Mama’s family members residing in Africa.

Meanwhile, the district police continued their investigation. Acting on credible information, a joint LCB and SOG team conducted a patrol on a fishing boat in Veraval’s waters on Friday. Their efforts resulted in apprehending a suspect from a fishing vessel located approximately 20 nautical miles from the port. Details about the suspect are yet to be revealed, but sources indicate a potential local connection to the larger drug trafficking operation.