Rajkot: After the arrest of 26-year-old Dhruv Joshi on Tuesday, allegedly in possession of 60g or hybrid cannabis, special operations group (SOG) sleuths recovered another 296g of the narcotic drug, valued at Rs 10.36 lakh, from his rented accommodation near Jagannath Chowk in the city. Investigators said that Joshi, originally from Thane, was running a sophisticated smuggling and delivery operation in the city.Deputy commissioner of police (crime) Jagdish Bangarva said Joshi admitted to sourcing the high-potency cannabis from Mumbai. It was concealed in electric speakers and sent via courier services. Investigators said they have recovered a list of his customers.Authorities said those found to be using the drug will be directed to de-addiction centres, with legal action possible for those who refuse. Sources said Joshi sold the hybrid cannabis for Rs 4,000-5,000 per gram.Hybrid cannabis is significantly stronger than regular cannabis and can fetch up to Rs 35 lakh per kg compared to Rs 50,000 per kg for standard cannabis.Police said they will conduct periodic inspections of courier operations as investigations continue to trace Joshi’s suppliers in Mumbai. A case was registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act at DCB police station.
