The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of Chandigarh Zonal Unit has seized Rs 52 lakh over the past four days in connection with its ongoing probe into the alleged diversion of psychotropic tablets and laundering of the “proceeds generated from the illegal trade”.
NCB officials said the breakthrough came following the recent arrest of one of the directors of the firm–IKON. During interrogation, it was revealed that the company’s directors had allegedly distributed the drug money among various associates and parked it at different locations to evade detection once the investigation began, said NCB officials.
Acting on the inputs, NCB teams carried out raids at multiple locations across the region. Following sustained questioning, two associates voluntarily deposited the cash that had been parked with them.
Of the total amount recovered, Rs 25 lakh was seized on January 16, while the remaining Rs 27 lakh was recovered on January 19 after further follow-up action by the agency.
NCB officials said the case relates to one of the biggest drug seizures in the region. Earlier, NCB had seized 34 lakh psychotropic tablets, 10.57 lakh CBCS bottles, 1613 kg of raw material, 573 kg of 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) has also been constituted to identify and expose individuals or entities providing shelter to absconding accused or helping in concealing drug proceeds.
