Ahmedabad Crime Branch Busts Major Drug Racket: ₹1.23 Crore MD Drugs, Pistols, and Cash Seized

Special Operations Group Seizes Drugs Worth ₹25.68 Lakh

Ahmedabad’s Narayanpura area saw the Special Operations Group (SOG) recently seizing MD drugs worth ₹25.68 lakh. Within 24 hours of this operation, another massive haul of ₹1.30 crore MD drugs, weapons, and cash was discovered at Shahalam Society in Danilimda during a raid by the Crime Branch.

Raid at Shahalam Society Unearths ₹1.23 Crore MD Drugs and Weapons

Acting on a tip-off, the Crime Branch team raided the residence of drug mafia Jishan alias Dutta Pawale. The raid uncovered ₹1.23 crore worth of MD drugs, two pistols, 48 live cartridges, ₹18.27 lakh cash, and a GPS tracker. Jishan was arrested for distributing drugs and dealing in illegal firearms.

Sophisticated Drug Distribution Network via Social Media

Jishan operated a sophisticated drug syndicate using social media platforms. He avoided explicit terms like “MD” or “drugs,” using coded messages such as “maal aa gaya” (goods have arrived) to communicate. His network utilized “one-time view” messages for sharing photos, ensuring anonymity.

Concealed Drugs Found in a Shoebox

During the search, MD drugs were discovered concealed in a shoebox within Jishan’s storeroom. The box also contained zip-lock bags, digital scales, and various substances. Crime Branch officials confirmed the substance as MD drugs after an on-site FSL analysis.

Weapons and Cartridges Seized

Further inspection revealed two pistols—an automatic and a locally made one—along with 48 live cartridges and 24 spent rounds. The accused had been using these weapons to intimidate others, aspiring to establish himself as a local don.

Connection to Udaipur Drug Mafia

During interrogation, Jishan admitted to being in contact with Imran alias Lalo, a Udaipur-based drug lord. Six months ago, Imran introduced Jishan to the drug trade, supplying MD drugs hidden in shoeboxes via courier services.

Huge Financial Transactions Under Investigation

Jishan used local hawala channels to transfer money to Imran, sending ₹8 lakh through a traditional money transfer service. Police suspect Jishan has earned significant profits through drug sales, and further investigation is underway to trace the source of ₹18.27 lakh cash found at his residence.

Confiscated Phones Hold Crucial Evidence

The Crime Branch seized six mobile phones and a tablet from Jishan’s house. These devices are expected to reveal critical information about the drug mafia’s network, including buyer details, financial transactions, and weapon suppliers.

Sophisticated Operation Run Entirely Through Social Media

According to DCP Ajit Rajiya, Jishan’s entire drug distribution network was coordinated through social media. Using fake names and encrypted communication, he ensured his operations remained under the radar.

Aspiring Don Kept Weapons for Intimidation

Jishan carried weapons to assert dominance and maintain his grip on the illicit trade. Complaints had been filed against him with the DGP’s office for his criminal activities. Authorities are now verifying the authenticity of the names and details provided by him during interrogation.

This bust highlights the growing challenge of sophisticated drug operations leveraging technology and social media, posing significant challenges to law enforcement agencies.