Surat Police Seize High-Purity MD Drugs Worth Over Rs. 1 Crore, Accused on the Run

SURAT, GUJARAT: The Surat SOG-PCB police team seized high-purity Mephedrone (MD) drugs worth over Rs. 1 crore from the Lalgate area of the city. Acting on a tip-off, the police apprehended two individuals engaged in a suspected drug deal, but the accused fled the scene, leaving behind the incriminating evidence.

Alert Police Thwart Drug Deal, Seize 1 Kg of MD

Based on a specific tip, the police team conducted surveillance near the Madrasa Islamia Sufibagh branch, located opposite Lalgate Lalmian Masjid. As anticipated, two individuals, identified as Mohd Kasif Iqbal alias Pasina Sheikh and Shehbaz Irshad Hussain Khan, engaged in a suspected drug exchange. However, the situation unfolded quickly as the police raided the location.

Accused Flee Scene, CCTV Footage Captures Chase

Sensing the imminent police raid, both accused abandoned their bikes and bags containing the drugs and fled on foot. Despite immediate pursuit by the police team, the accused managed to escape. Fortunately, the entire incident, including the chase, was captured on CCTV cameras, providing valuable evidence for the investigation.

Recovered Drugs Analyzed, FSL Confirms High Purity

The abandoned bags contained a substance initially suspected to be raw material for MD drugs. The police promptly called the FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) team for further examination. The laboratory analysis confirmed the recovered substance to be high-purity MD, with a staggering market value exceeding Rs. 1 crore.

Police Recover Additional Items, Intensify Manhunt

Apart from the substantial drug haul, the police also recovered three mobile phones, two motorcycles, and an ID card belonging to a social organization. The total value of the seized items is estimated at Rs. 1.30 crore. A case has been registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at the Lalgate Police Station.

Surat Police Vows to Nab Accused, Dismantle Network

Commenting on the operation, Surat Joint Police Commissioner Raghvendra Vats highlighted the importance of the seized drugs. He emphasized that apprehending the accused would be crucial in unraveling the entire network and understanding the source and intended destination of the high-purity MD. Vats further assured the public that the police are actively searching for the absconding individuals and are committed to curbing the spread of MD drug addiction in the city.

Concerns Raised over Potential Market Value

While the police operation has undoubtedly dealt a blow to the illegal drug trade, reports suggest that the seized MD, once processed and sold, could have fetched a market value between Rs. 3 to 4 crores. This significant discrepancy raises concerns about the potential profits associated with MD and highlights the gravity of the situation.