Gandhinagar, March 8: The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) has uncovered a significant international drug trafficking network in Surat. The substance, Atomidate, a psychotropic agent primarily used as an anesthetic, was being falsely labeled as aloe vera powder and shipped to Malaysia, Thailand, and the Netherlands. Three individuals have been arrested, and the investigation is intensifying.
On the night of March 6, ATS Deputy Superintendent Harsh Upadhyay received a tip-off regarding the smuggling of Atomidate in Surat. Acting on this information, the ATS team, under the guidance of Superintendent K.K., initiated an investigation. It was revealed that the accused were preparing fake bills and customs clearance documents to export Atomidate powder under the guise of aloe vera or other harmless products via air cargo from Mumbai Airport.
The arrested suspects include Dhankanujbhai Harebhai Gadhiya, who mislabeled 50 kilograms of Atomidate powder as aloe vera for export to three individuals in Malaysia. Chetanbhai Kambhu sent 50 kilograms of Atomidate, disguised as Jinopol-24 powder, to Malaysia and Thailand via air cargo. Bhodit Damjibhai Padmini shipped 2.5 kilograms of Atomidate labeled as aloe vera to Malaysia and other locations.
These parcels were dispatched through courier services like FedEx. Upon notifying customs officials and international agencies, the parcels were seized. Raman spectroscopy tests confirmed that the substance was indeed the banned Atomidate powder. Atomidate falls under Schedule II of the Psychotropic Substances Act in India, Group B of the Poison Act in Malaysia, and Class C of the Misuse of Drugs Act in Singapore. Its misuse is on the rise.
During interrogation, the suspects revealed that members of a Malaysian cartel, including Chua Ji Juan, were involved. Each kilogram was valued between $4,000 and $5,000 (approximately ₹3.3 to ₹4.2 lakh). The total seized quantity indicates a potential trafficking worth millions.
On March 7, 2026, the ATS arrested all three suspects in Surat. The case has been registered under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 336(2), 336(3), 338, 340(2), 350(1), and related NDPS/Psychotropic Substances Act provisions. The accused are Dhankanujbhai Harebhai Gadhiya (28, Katargam, Surat), Chetanbhai Kambhu (Anandiyara Society, Mota Racha), and Bhodit Damjibhai Padmini (Sanskrit Arnevi Road, Amaroli).
The ATS team included D.D. Raher, D.N. Bhardad, B.R. Jadeja, and SOG members. The investigation is ongoing, with efforts to identify other suspects and international connections. Collaboration with foreign agencies is underway. Authorities have noted an increase in the trafficking of psychotropic substances via air cargo and are closely monitoring such activities. This operation has dealt a significant blow to the trafficking network.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment