Narcotic substances worth ₹2,153 crore, seized in 867 cases across Gujarat, were destroyed at Dahej in Bharuch district on Monday, with Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi saying the State’s crackdown had dealt a major blow to international drug trafficking networks.

The destruction exercise, organised at Enviro Infrastructure Limited’s facility in Dahej, covered 13,249.127 kg of drugs and 5,71,028 bottles of narcotic substances seized by 24 police units, including the CID Crime and the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS). Mr. Sanghavi also virtually inaugurated a parallel drug destruction programme at Lakadia in Kutch district.

“The Gujarat Police have dealt a major blow to international drug smuggling networks through decisive action against drug mafias and cartels,” Mr. Sanghavi said.

He said the State had achieved a conviction rate of around 65% in cases registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and that efforts were underway to improve it further by strengthening investigations and prosecution. He also appealed to citizens and social organisations to support the government’s campaign for a drug-free Gujarat.

During the programme, the Gujarat Police unveiled the NDPS Handbook, prepared by the Anti-Narcotics Task Force to assist investigating officers in the effective implementation of the NDPS Act.

The Police Department also screened awareness films on drug abuse and rehabilitation, highlighting the State’s anti-drug initiatives.

Under the State government’s Drug Reward Policy, 278 police personnel were awarded cash rewards totalling ₹59.42 lakh for their role in detecting 21 major drug-related cases.

Senior police officers, elected representatives and district administration officials attended the event.