Contraband worth Rs 47L seized, 2 held

Vadodara: Based on a tip off the sleuths of special operations group (SOG) of city arrested two persons carrying methamphetamine worth Rs 47 lakh near Dena crossroads on NH-48 on Friday.
The two accused Narendra alias Chenaram Chaudhary, a native of Jalore district in Rajasthan, and Pankaj alias Vikram Mangukiya, a resident of Botad, were coming to Vadodara in an SUV when they were apprehended.When Chaudhary and Mangukiya were frisked, a small zip-lock packet was found from both. Another packet was also found from their car, police said.
“We had a hunch that the powdery contents may be narcotic substance and so we called the forensic team which confirmed our doubts after a test that it was methamphetamine,” said a police official. The official added that the total quantity seized is just 470 grams but market price of one gram is valued at Rs 10,000.
An offence under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act was registered against them at Harni police station and they were taken into custody.
“Their swab samples have been collected for coronavirus test. If their report turns out to be negative, we will formally arrest and interrogate them,” said inspector V B Aal of SOG. He added that primary investigation revealed that the duo used to get the drug from Rajasthan and distribute in Saurashtra, Vadodara and south Gujarat.