Ahmedabad, June 21 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Crime Branch on Sunday arrested two spa operators after recovering more than 150 grams of mephedrone (MD) from a commercial premises in the Vastral area, with officers stating that the seized narcotics have an estimated market value of over Rs 15 lakh.

Acting on specific intelligence, a team from the Crime Branch conducted a raid at Shop No. H/504, Suryam Elegance, near Silver Habitat behind Madhav Farm in the Vastral area of the city, where the accused were allegedly found in possession of a commercial quantity of the synthetic drug without authorisation or permit.

The operation was carried out as part of ongoing enforcement efforts against narcotics trafficking in the city.

The arrested accused have been identified as Tejaskumar alias Montu Thakkar, 38, and Ajay alias Ajju Jaiswal, 42, both of whom were operating spa-related businesses in the area.

Police also recovered multiple items during the search, including three mobile phones, weighing scales, empty zipper bags allegedly used for packaging, cash and identity documents, along with the narcotic substance.

Following the seizure, a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered at the DCB Police Station.

According to investigators, the accused were allegedly sourcing the contraband from Balotra in Rajasthan and distributing it through spa establishments in Ahmedabad.

Officials further stated that this was a notable instance in which spa operators themselves were allegedly involved in ordering and selling narcotics from within their business premises.

A detailed check of criminal records revealed prior cases against both accused.

Tejaskumar alias Montu Thakkar had earlier been booked at Odhav Police Station, including in a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and preventive action under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Ajay alias Ajju Jaiswal has multiple previous cases registered across Sarkhej, Vatva GIDC and Bapunagar police stations under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the Gujarat Police Act.

Speaking on the operation, DCP (Crime Branch) Ajit Rajian said the action was taken under the guidance of senior state police leadership and as part of sustained efforts to curb drug-related offences.

“The Crime Branch has been actively targeting both small- and large-scale narcotics networks, and the present seizure was part of a specialised operation carried out by Squad No. 6 led by Inspector Imran Ghasura and Sub-Inspector J.C. Desai,” he said.

According to him, the preliminary investigation indicates that the accused were procuring drugs from Rajasthan and selling them through spa operations in Ahmedabad.

“This is among the first instances where spa operators have been found directly involved in the procurement and retail distribution of narcotics within their establishments,” he added.

Police have also identified a wanted accused, Pawan Sharma, in connection with the case.

Officials said the accused allegedly lured spa customers by offering narcotic substances on request and that further investigation is underway to determine the wider network and financial links connected to the operation.

–IANS

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