Surat: Three caught with charas worth Rs 24 lakh

SURAT: In a major drug haul, the special operation group (SOG) of city police seized 4.68kg charas worth Rs 23.42 lakh and arrested three persons from Abrama checkpoint on Tuesday night. Those arrested included two white-collar professionals — a stock trader and a woman fashion designer.
Continuing with their drive against contraband the city police stopped the consignment from entering the city market thanks to close monitoring on those involved in the illicit trade of drugs. After the second wave of Covid-19 police are again tightening the noose around the drug peddlers.
Police arrested Jenish Kheni, 29, his girlfriend Nikita Chodvadiya, 27 and Atul Patil, 35, from Abrama entry point. They were travelling in a SUV with the consignment of charas in a backpack. Police had specific information about the trafficking. Their car was stopped for checking and on recovery of charas police detained the trio. After Covid-19 test they were arrested. The investigation has been handed over to Amroli police station.
Police investigation so far revealed that Kheni, son of a diamond artisan, is a BBA degree holder. He also underwent a diamond processing course in Mumbai. Unable to sustain in the diamond industry, Kheni started stock trading. Later, he developed a friendship with Chodvadiya through social media. Chodvadiya was working as fashion designer till the start of 2020 but the global pandemic left her jobless. Chodvadiya had divorced her husband seven years ago.
“Kheni went to Kasol for a college tour during which he tried charas for the first time. He brought some quantity back home and sold it. He might have done this in the past too,” said a police officer in SOG.
“It is a major catch by police and Surat police is continuing its drive against drugs. Police will ensure that the city remains drugs free,” said city police commissioner Ajay Tomar.