Cracking Down on Drug Smuggling: Baramulla Police Attach Properties of Smugglers
On June 27, 2023 : In a significant move against drug smuggling and trafficking, the Baramulla Police in Jammu and Kashmir took decisive action by attaching an under-construction house and seizing a vehicle belonging to drug smugglers in the district. The police obtained legal sanction from the competent authorities before carrying out these operations.
The under-construction house, located in Main Mohalla Pattan and spanning an area of 10 marlas, belonged to Barkat Ali Main, who was identified as a drug smuggler. The attachment was made in connection with Case FIR No. 84/2023 under sections 8/22 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Pattan.
Similarly, the police also seized a Hyundai I10 vehicle registered to Abdul Rehman Malik of Kalantra Payeen. This vehicle was linked to Case FIR No. 33/2023 under sections 8/20, 29 of the NDPS Act at Police Station Kreeri.
The investigations revealed that these properties, both movable and immovable, were acquired through illicit trafficking by the drug smugglers. In light of this evidence, the orders for the attachment of these properties were referred to the Competent Authority and the Administrator of Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators under the Forfeiture of Property Act, 1976, Narcotics Drugs & Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and Prohibition of Benami Property Transactions Act, 1988 in New Delhi.
The confirmation orders received from SAFEM (FOP) A & NDPSA, New Delhi, in accordance with clause (g) of section 68B of the NDPS Act, have significantly boosted the morale of the officers of Baramulla Police. This action sends a strong message that authorities are committed to taking a tough stance against drug smugglers and drug trafficking in the district.
The police further revealed that orders regarding the attachment of other properties, as issued by their officers, will also be forwarded to SAFEM (FOP) A & NDPSA, New Delhi, for confirmation in the near future. This proactive approach signifies the police force’s unwavering dedication to combat the menace of drug trafficking and ensure a safer and drug-free environment in the district.
