Gujarat faces drug crisis as seizures soar, but kingpins still at large

Ahmedabad, Gujarat : As Gujarat witnesses an alarming surge in drug seizures, questions are mounting about the effectiveness of the state’s crackdown on the narcotics trade. While the Gujarat Police and other agencies often tout their success in confiscating large quantities of drugs, critics argue that the masterminds behind these operations remain out of reach, leaving the state’s youth increasingly vulnerable to the menace.

Over the past seven years, Gujarat has seen a staggering increase in drug hauls, with seizures frequently involving hundreds of kilograms of narcotics. Just recently, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), along with the Indian Coast Guard, intercepted a vessel near the Indian Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and seized over 300 kg of suspected methamphetamine worth ₹1,800 crore. Despite the magnitude of these operations, the core networks responsible for trafficking these substances remain largely intact.

Congress spokesperson Dr. Manish Doshi voiced strong criticism against the state government and the Home Department, accusing them of failing to dismantle the broader narcotics syndicate operating within Gujarat. “Drugs are being frequently seized in Gujarat, and the government, particularly the Home Department, is taking credit for it. But the real truth is that only the small fish are being caught, while the big sharks are escaping,” said Doshi.

He further alleged that the authorities are more focused on showmanship than real action. “The Gujarat Police has failed to nab the major players. The government has completely failed to break the drug network, which is why the drug trade is flourishing in Gujarat,” he stated.

The data presents a chilling timeline of the state’s drug woes. In July 2017, 1,500 kg of drugs were confiscated, followed by 280 kg in May 2019, 2,298 kg in September 2021, and multiple high-profile seizures in 2022 and 2023. Yet, each case seems to end with minor arrests, while the larger network continues to thrive.

Dr. Doshi emphasized the need for robust investigative action, urging the government to deploy central agencies like the Narcotics Bureau and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) more effectively. “Instead of misusing agencies like the ED and CBI for political gain, the government should empower the institutions actually responsible for tackling the drug crisis,” he asserted.

The unchecked spread of narcotics in Gujarat is not only a law enforcement failure but a deepening social crisis. As drugs permeate deeper into urban and rural communities, the youth are increasingly falling prey to addiction. With methamphetamine and heroin making regular appearances in seizure reports, the scale and sophistication of the drug operations suggest a well-oiled network that is far from being dismantled.