Punjab Police Freeze Rs 1.3 Crore Assets of Alleged Drug Trafficker in Samrala
In a decisive move under the Punjab government's "zero-tolerance policy" against the narcotics trade, the Samrala police have frozen properties and assets worth Rs 1.3 crore linked to an alleged drug trafficker and his family members. This action represents a significant financial strike against illicit operations in the region, demonstrating the state's intensified crackdown on drug-related crimes.
Targeted Action Against Key Player
The operation was conducted on the explicit directions of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Darpan Ahluwalia, targeting the holdings of Jasdev Singh, a resident of Machhiwara. Samrala Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Tarlochan Singh confirmed that the properties were attached under Section 68F(2) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
Jasdev Singh reportedly faces five active NDPS cases and is alleged to be a key player in local drug trafficking networks. Police investigations revealed that he had utilized the proceeds of crime to construct a luxury residence on approximately 10.7 marlas of land. Additionally, the accused had acquired nearly 8.5 kanals of land under Khasra numbers 75 and 77, further expanding his illicitly funded assets.
Comprehensive Asset Freeze and Family Scrutiny
The crackdown extended beyond real estate to include high-end mobility, with a newly purchased Scorpio-N SUV also seized and frozen as part of the legal proceedings. According to police officials, the properties were registered not only in the name of the main accused but also in the names of his brother-in-law and his brother-in-law's wife, indicating a broader family involvement in the alleged illicit activities.
The total estimated value of the attached assets stands at Rs 1,27,67,000. These assets were frozen following orders from the competent authority under the NDPS Act, underscoring the legal rigor applied in this case.
Strict Warning from Authorities
DSP Tarlochan Singh issued a stern warning, stating that individuals amassing wealth through drug smuggling would face similar consequences. He emphasized that even ancestral properties could be attached if links to illicit trade are established, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the enforcement drive.
He reiterated that the campaign against drug peddlers remains a top priority for the Punjab police, with this action serving as a clear deterrent to others involved in narcotics trafficking. The move aligns with the state government's broader strategy to dismantle the financial infrastructure supporting drug networks, thereby curbing the supply and distribution of illegal substances.
