Ahmedabad, April 7 (IANS) The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), in coordination with the Rajasthan ATS, has arrested two men from Rajasthan and seized approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine in a crackdown on an international drug smuggling syndicate.

According to officials, Inspector J.M. Patel of the Gujarat ATS received confidential information which indicated that two individuals, Shankarram Rameshram and Salman Lalakhan, were transporting a consignment of methamphetamine from the international border of Rajasthan.

The narcotics were allegedly supplied by a Pakistani smuggler for distribution within India.

“After verifying the information, it was shared with senior ATS officials, who authorised a coordinated operation,” an official said.

The Gujarat ATS contacted the Rajasthan unit, which deployed a joint team along National Highway 68, linking Jaisalmer in Rajasthan with Banaskantha in Gujarat.

Intensive patrolling and a checkpoint were established to intercept the suspects.

On the evening of April 6, authorities stopped a suspicious Eeco vehicle during routine checks.

A yellow bag inside contained five transparent pouches of a white crystalline substance.

Preliminary tests confirmed the contents as methamphetamine, with an estimated market value of around Rs 25 crore.

The two suspects, residents of Sajan Ka Par, Ramsar, in Barmer district, were taken into custody.

A case was registered under Sections 8, 21, 22, 23, 25, 28, and 29 of the NDPS Act at Sadar Barmer Police Station.

During initial questioning, the accused revealed that the drugs had been smuggled from Pakistan’s Tharparkar area by an individual named Masat Mubarak and left in Barmer for collection.

Authorities also recovered digital evidence, including WhatsApp chats, call records, and videos from their mobile phones, which could help trace the wider syndicate.

Officials described the operation as a significant step in curbing both interstate and international narcotics trade.

“This demonstrates the effective coordination between Gujarat and Rajasthan ATS,” a senior official said.

Investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.

The successful interception marks one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in the region this year, highlighting growing vigilance against cross-border drug trafficking.

–IANS

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