Kaithal Police Freeze Rs 84 Lakh Assets of 5 Drug Traffickers
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking networks, Kaithal police have frozen properties worth around Rs 84 lakh belonging to five habitual drug traffickers, officials announced on Monday. The action was taken following proceedings initiated under legal provisions that permit the attachment of assets allegedly acquired through illicit drug activities.
Legal Framework and Authority
The cases were meticulously documented and forwarded to the competent authority and administrator under the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue. This authority subsequently ordered the freezing of the properties and imposed a complete ban on all transactions linked to these assets. Superintendent of Police Manpreet Singh Sudan emphasized that this move is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting drug trafficking operations.
First Case: Brothers from Kalayat
In the first case, properties valued at Rs 26 lakh linked to two brothers from Kalayat were frozen. Police records indicate that both individuals have multiple cases registered against them under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. These cases involve the recovery of significant quantities of cannabis and heroin over several years.
The attached assets in this instance include:
- Residential houses
- Land plots
- Motorcycles
- Bank accounts, some of which were registered in the names of family members
Second Case: Family from Kharka Village
In the second case, assets worth approximately Rs 58.4 lakh linked to three members of a family from Kharka village were frozen. The trio has faced multiple NDPS cases involving heroin and smack, highlighting their involvement in serious drug trafficking activities.
The seized assets in this case comprise:
- A residential house
- Land plots
- A motorcycle
- An Innova car
- Gold and silver jewellery
Procedure for Asset Freezing
Police officials detailed the standard procedure followed in such cases. All incidents are thoroughly documented and submitted to the competent authority. The authority then issues notices to the accused, demanding an explanation for the legal source of their assets. If the accused fail to provide satisfactory proof or justification, the property can be frozen or seized permanently.
This process is designed to ensure that individuals cannot profit from illegal activities and serves as a deterrent to others involved in drug trafficking. The Kaithal police's action underscores their commitment to combating the drug trade by targeting not only the perpetrators but also the economic gains derived from their crimes.
