In a major breakthrough under Surat city’s ongoing anti-narcotics campaign, the Special Operations Group (SOG) has uncovered a high-tech drug trafficking racket operated by a habitual criminal using CCTV surveillance and walkie-talkie communication systems. The accused, identified as Shivraj Singh alias Shivo Darbar, has been arrested with drugs, weapons, cash, and equipment worth approximately Rs 30,55,900.
Acting under the directives of Deputy Commissioner of Police Anupam Singh Gehlot, the Surat Police has intensified its drive against narcotics-related crimes. Based on technical surveillance and intelligence inputs, a special team led by SOG Police Inspector A.P. Chaudhary conducted a raid in the Bhathena area of Salabatpura. The team apprehended the accused from house number 18 in Panchshilnagar-01.
As per report, the arrested accused, Shivraj Singh Jhala (28), originally hails from Adwal village in Dhandhuka taluka, Ahmedabad district. The police seized 118.36 grams of Mephedrone drug valued at Rs 11,83,600, along with two mobile phones worth Rs 1,50,000, two pistols with magazines worth Rs 1,00,000, thirteen live cartridges valued at Rs 1,300, an empty magazine worth Rs 1,000, and four walkie-talkie sets with chargers worth Rs 20,000. Additionally, cash amounting to Rs 16,00,000, believed to be proceeds from drug sales, was recovered, bringing the total value of seized items to Rs 30,55,900.
The investigation revealed that the accused was using walkie-talkie sets to communicate with his associates to avoid mobile call tracing. He employed code words such as "Kapdu" to refer to drugs and "Kati" for police, and strategically deployed accomplices equipped with walkie-talkies around his residence to monitor any movement of law enforcement or potential buyers. He was involved in procuring drugs from Mumbai and distributing them across different localities in Surat. The presence of illegal firearms further indicated his intent to intimidate others and maintain a fearful reputation in the criminal network.
A case has been registered against Shivraj Singh under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Arms Act at Salabatpura Police Station. Further investigation is underway to trace and apprehend other accused persons associated with the racket.
