Surat police seek Himachal Pradesh’s help to crack charas racket

SURAT: The city police on Thursday held a video conference with their Himachal Pradesh counterparts and sought help in nabbing those who supplied 4.6 kg charas worth Rs 23.42 lakh to the three persons caught on Tuesday.
A team of special operation group (SOG) arrested Jenish Kheni, his girlfriend Nikita Chodvadiya and their car’s driver Atul Patil from Abrama entry point in the city on Tuesday night.They had driven up to Kasol in HP in an SUV and returned with the consignment in flat 20 hours travelling 1,657 km.
“We are in touch with senior police officials of HP including the state DGP and requested for support in nabbing those involved in supplying drugs to the arrested. HP police have assured us full cooperation,” said city police commissioner Ajay Tomar.
In the past too, traffickers nabbed with charas have revealed during interrogation that they got the narcotics from HP. “Charas available in HP is in high demand across India. After bringing it to the city, the accused mix it with other material and dilute it. They then sell it at a higher price,” said a police officer. Police arrested two more accused Jignesh alias Montu alias Masa Patel, 28 and Hardik Patel, 30, for alleged involvement in the charas racket. Investigation revealed that Jignesh and Hardik were to purchase 3 kg charas from the accused trio.