Gujarat ATS Arrests Three for Exporting Etomidate Disguised as Aloe Vera Powder

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested three Surat-based businessmen—Nikunj Gadhiya, Chetan Vavadiya, and Bhautik Padmani—for allegedly exporting the anesthetic drug etomidate disguised as aloe vera powder and other substances. The drug, classified as a controlled psychotropic substance in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, was shipped via air cargo from Mumbai using forged documents. The ATS acted on confidential information and coordinated with Mumbai Customs to intercept and seize the shipments linked to narcotics cartels in Southeast Asia.