Anti-Narcotics Officer linked to Dwarka Scam with Alcohol Mafia; Details Inside

The current scenario suggests that Gandhi's Gujarat, on paper, upholds prohibition, but in reality, it seems to be merely a facade. Corrupt IPS officers stationed in Gandhinagar, entrusted with border control, appear to be granting their blessings to the smuggling of Indian-made foreign liquor (IMFL) worth crores into Gujarat. Simultaneously, the past few years have witnessed the emergence of a nexus involving alcohol mafias, pharmaceutical companies, and the Ayurveda syrup and cough syrup sectors, raking in billions of rupees while manipulating a corrupt system that serves their interests.

The police, Food and Drugs department, and anti-narcotics units find themselves directly or indirectly entangled in the multibillion-dollar drug trade. The Dwarka Police, amidst a 4-month-long anti-intoxicating syrup campaign, has achieved significant success, exposing the intricate connections within the widespread illicit drug trade across the state. The revelations were brought to light by SP Nitesh Pandey IPS.

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The operation of the racket unfolded due to the lack of a robust policy from the Government of Gujarat and the widespread corruption ingrained in the system, allowing the proliferation of drug-laden syrups across the state for several years. Sanjay Shah, the proprietor of Herboglobal Pharmaceutical Company situated in Selvas, employed Amit Vasavda, lacking the requisite qualifications, as an Ayurveda expert in a company producing intoxicating syrups. Concurrently, Rajesh Dodke served as the marketing manager for the Drug Addiction Corporation.

In 2021, Sunil Kakkar, a key figure in the Rs. 700 crore Chhetarpindi case, established contact with Sanjay Shah, and together, they initiated a multi-crore drug enterprise. Sunil Kakkar formed a subsidiary named AMB Pharma under HerboGlobal Pharmaceutical Company, conducting substantial business in Gujarat. Extensive marketing of Ayurvedic and contemporary syrups commenced on a large scale in Saurashtra. Syrup bottles, available under various names and colors, flooded the market and could be easily sold in local paan shops.

During a police investigation, it was revealed that syrup worth Rs. 45 crore had been introduced into the market over a span of 22 months. Some corrupt officials within the Gujarat Government and the Dadra Nagar Haveli government department allegedly turned a blind eye to the ongoing scam unfolding right before them.

How did the prohibition officer participate?

Several months ago, Prohibition Inspector Mehul Dodiya conducted a raid on Shivam Enterprise in Changodar. Instead of taking decisive action during the raid, Dodiya allegedly struck a deal with Pankaj Vaghela, the partner of Shivam Enterprises. According to police sources, Dodiya clandestinely became a partner in the distribution agency and assumed the responsibility of arranging matters within government departments. Interrogation of the accused has revealed that Dodiya allegedly had to pay an annual amount of Rs. 1 crore to profit from and manage arrangements in the government.

Officer has filed VRS

Mehul Dodiya, a controversial inspector in the anti-narcotics department, has reportedly submitted his resignation letter (Voluntary Retirement Scheme) due to perceived substantial profits in the drug trade. Sources indicate that another controversial officer played a significant role in facilitating approval for Dodiya's resignation. As of the current information, Dodiya's resignation letter has not been accepted.

Who all are absconding?

According to Dwarka District Police Chief Nitish Pandey, Sanjay Shah, the owner of HerboGlobal Pharmaceutical, marketing manager Rajesh Dodke, and Mehul Dodiya are currently absconding. In the ongoing investigation, the police have arrested a total of 9 accused, including Sunil Kakkar and Amit Vasavada. Crucial evidence has also been seized in connection with the entire matter.

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