Gujarat Drug Bust: Trio Arrested for Exporting Etomidate Posing as Aloe Vera

The Gujarat ATS arrested three individuals in Surat for exporting the analgesic drug etomidate mislabeled as aloe vera powder. The arrests followed an input about drug exports to Southeast Asia, where etomidate is considered a controlled substance. The accused were linked to drug cartels in Malaysia and Thailand.

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has arrested three individuals allegedly involved in exporting the drug etomidate under false labels such as aloe vera powder, officers announced on Saturday.

Officials identified the suspects as Nikunj Gadhiya, Chetan Vavadiya, and Bhautik Padmani, all residents of Surat. They were reportedly in contact with drug cartels operating in Malaysia and Thailand, according to an ATS release.

The arrests came after authorities received intel about the illegal exportation of etomidate, a substance regarded as a narcotic under Southeast Asian laws. The suspects used shell companies to disguise shipments and avoid detection at Mumbai airport.

(With inputs from agencies.)