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Gujarat ATS Busts Etomidate Export Ring, Books Three Surat Traders, Arrests One

Shipments disguised as cosmetic powders were flagged at Mumbai airport, where Raman testing identified the anesthetic.

Overview

  • ATS says parcels bound for Malaysia and Thailand were mislabelled, then routed via air cargo or courier from Mumbai.
  • FedEx held suspected packages after a Mumbai Customs alert, and Raman spectroscopy confirmed they contained etomidate.
  • Investigators allege the trio used fronts DWN Bioscience, Neutral Pharma, Om Herbs, Rudra Enterprise, and Jani Pharma while forging bills and customs papers.
  • Prior consignments totaled about 125 kg, with lots priced at an estimated $4,000–$5,000 per kg, and Thai police reported seizures.
  • Etomidate is not listed under India’s NDPS Act but is controlled in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, and the ATS has registered a BNS case with plans to coordinate with DRI and customs.