Has NCB’s Chandigarh unit seized drug money totaling Rs 52 lakh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rs 52 lakh seized during NCB operations.
- Ongoing investigation into psychotropic tablet diversion.
- Seventeen arrests made related to the case.
- Special Investigation Team formed for further inquiries.
- Recent convictions highlight the severity of drug trafficking.
Chandigarh, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Chandigarh unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has uncovered and confiscated Rs 52 lakh over the last four days as part of an ongoing inquiry into the illicit diversion of psychotropic tablets and the laundering of profits derived from these activities.
During the investigation, following the arrest of a director from IKON, it was discovered that the directors had hidden the cash in various locations with different associates to avoid detection regarding the proceeds of drug money generated from the misappropriation of psychotropic tablets.
In response to intelligence received, the NCB executed raids at several sites. As a result of these operations and continuous interrogation, two associates returned the funds they had been safeguarding. Of the total seized, Rs 25 lakh was confiscated on January 16, with the remaining Rs 27 lakh secured on Monday. Ongoing searches and inquiries are being conducted to locate and retrieve any outstanding drug money arising from the diversion of psychotropic tablets.
It is noteworthy that this case involves the seizure of 34 lakh psychotropic tablets, 10.57 lakh CBCS bottles, 1,613 kg raw materials, 573 kg tramadol bulk mixture, 50,000 tramadol ampoules, and 5,000 midazolam vials. Currently, 17 individuals have been apprehended in connection with this case.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been established to identify and track individuals or organizations harboring the fugitives or concealing the proceeds of crime.
Earlier last week, a Special NDPS Court in Madhya Pradesh sentenced two drug traffickers to 15 years of imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh each, for their role in drug trafficking from Sonepur in Odisha to Bhopal, according to an NCB official.
The Special Court in Raisen on January 14 found Zakir, son of Shabir Shah, a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Bhopal, and Liyakat Ali, son of Sharafat Ali, a resident of Arjun Nagar in Bhopal, guilty under Section 8(C), 20 (b)(ii)(C), and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, according to the official.
Zakir and Liyakat Ali were arrested on December 29, 2022, while transporting 109.150 kg of ganja in a vehicle, as reported by the Enforcement Directorate.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the confiscated ganja was sourced from Sonepur in Odisha and was intended for Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.