Chandigarh, Jan 19 (IANS) The Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) Chandigarh unit has detected and seized Rs 52 lakh in the past four days in connection with an ongoing investigation into the diversion of psychotropic tablets and laundering of proceeds generated therefrom.

During the course of the investigation, consequent to the arrest of one of the directors of IKON, it was revealed that the directors had parked the cash at different locations with various associates with the intent to evade detection of drug money generated from the diversion of psychotropic tablets.

Acting on information, the NCB conducted raids at multiple locations. Pursuant to the raids and sustained questioning, two associates deposited the amounts parked with them. Out of the total amount, Rs 25 lakh was seized on January 16, while the remaining Rs 27 lakh was seized on Monday. Further searches and investigations are underway to trace and recover the remaining drug money generated from diverted psychotropic tablets.

It is recapitulated that the present case pertains to the seizure of 34 lakh psychotropic tablets, 10.57 lakh CBCS bottles, 1,613 kg raw material, 573 kg tramadol bulk mixture, 50,000 tramadol ampoules and 5,000 midazolam vials. So far, 17 people have been arrested in the case.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted is also working to identify and uncover people and entities harbouring the absconding accused or concealing proceeds of crime.

Earlier last week, a Special NDPS Court in Madhya Pradesh sentenced two drug traffickers to 15 years’ imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh each, for involvement in drug trafficking from Sonepur in Odisha to Bhopal, an NCB official said.

The Special Court in Raisen on January 14 held Zakir, son of Shabir Shah, resident of Gandhi Nagar in Bhopal, and Liyakat Ali, son of Sharafat Ali, resident of Arjun Nagar in Bhopal, guilty under Section 8(C), 20 (b)(ii) (C) and 29 of the NDPS Act, 1985, the official said.

Zakir and Liyakat Ali were arrested on December 29, 2022, while they were carrying 109.150 kg of ganja in a car, the Enforcement Directorate said.

During the investigation, it was found that the seized ganja was sourced from Sonepur in Odisha and was destined for Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh.

–IANS

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