Bharuch, July 21: In one of the country’s largest drug disposal operations, the Gujarat government on Monday destroyed seized narcotics valued at an estimated Rs 2,212 crore at a specialised incineration facility in Bharuch district. The destruction exercise marked another significant step in the state’s ongoing campaign against illegal drug trafficking and organised narcotics networks.
The seized contraband included nearly 11.10 lakh bottles of various prohibited substances along with approximately 14,500 kilograms of narcotic drugs. These illegal materials had been confiscated during multiple enforcement operations conducted across Gujarat over the past year.
According to officials, the seized substances were recovered through coordinated action by the Gujarat Police, Crime Investigation Department (CID), and Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The enforcement agencies registered 877 criminal cases related to the recovered narcotics, reflecting the scale of anti-drug operations undertaken across the state.
The destruction process was carried out at the BEIL hazardous waste incineration facility located in the Dahej industrial area of Bharuch district. Authorities confirmed that the disposal was conducted using scientific methods while complying with all prescribed environmental safety norms to ensure that the hazardous materials were eliminated without causing ecological harm.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi was present during the disposal exercise and reiterated the Gujarat government’s commitment to eliminating the drug menace. Addressing the media, he said law enforcement agencies are treating the fight against narcotics as an ongoing mission rather than a temporary campaign.
Sanghavi stated that police forces have intensified efforts to dismantle organised drug syndicates operating within and beyond the state’s borders. He added that enforcement agencies are simultaneously working with educational institutions, community organisations, and social groups to discourage substance abuse among young people through awareness and preventive initiatives.
The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that this was not the first large scale destruction of seized narcotics in Gujarat. He recalled that the same Bharuch facility had disposed of illegal drugs valued at over Rs 2,000 crore during a similar operation held in October last year. The latest exercise, however, surpassed the previous disposal in terms of the estimated value of narcotics destroyed.
He also pointed to Gujarat’s progress in prosecuting drug-related offences, claiming that the state has recorded the highest conviction rate in narcotics cases in the country this year. According to Sanghavi, more than 65 per cent of accused persons in drug trafficking cases have been successfully convicted through effective investigation and prosecution.
The state government, he said, is now working towards achieving an even higher conviction rate by strengthening evidence collection, improving coordination between investigating agencies and prosecutors, and ensuring speedy trials in courts.
Officials believe that the systematic destruction of seized narcotics prevents the possibility of illegal substances re-entering the market while reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement efforts. Scientific disposal also ensures compliance with judicial directives and environmental regulations governing hazardous waste management.
Over the past several years, Gujarat has emerged as a major focus area in India’s fight against narcotics because of its extensive coastline and strategic location. Investigating agencies have frequently intercepted consignments of heroin, methamphetamine, synthetic drugs and other banned substances intended for domestic distribution or international smuggling.
Authorities have increasingly relied on intelligence-sharing among central and state agencies to detect trafficking routes, dismantle organised criminal networks and seize large consignments before they reach consumers. Officials say continued surveillance at ports, coastal areas and transport corridors remains a critical component of the state’s anti-drug strategy.
The latest destruction exercise in Bharuch underscores Gujarat’s continued emphasis on strict enforcement, judicial follow-up and preventive measures aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for illegal narcotics. As investigations continue into several ongoing drug trafficking cases, the state government has reaffirmed its resolve to maintain sustained action against those involved in the illicit trade.