Odisha STF To Forfeit Properties Worth Rs 73.76 Lakh Of Drug Peddler

Bhubaneswar: The special task force (STF) of the Crime Branch of Odisha Police has been allowed to forfeit Rs 73.75 lakh worth ill-gotten properties of a drug trafficker involved in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substance (NDPS) cases.

Under the provision of chapter VA of NDPS Act (Section A- Z) there is a provision of seizing and forfeiture of ill-gotten property (illegally acquired property from Narcotics business in last six years), STF said in a statement.

During the investigation of a case, properties worth around Rs 73.75 lakh, acquired by the main accused/ trafficker Shiba Prasad Das alias Shibu (32) of Mundia Sahi village under Jatni police station of Khurda district out of illegal contraband brown sugar business was identified and seized by STF.

Competent Authority and Administrator of NDPS Act, Kolkata (aquasi-judicial authority under NDPS Act) were requested for forfeiture of the illegally acquired property by the accused/trafficker.

A detailed proposal for confirmation of seizure/ forfeiture of the properties earned out of contraband drugs business was sent to the office of Competent Authority, Kolkota as per provision of Sec. 68 (F) NDPS Act, 1985.

After hearing both parties – STF and accused – and following due procedure, the competent authority has approved the forfeiture of the seized properties of the accused worth of around Rs 73.75 lakhs on January 19, STF said.

In this case, on January 25, 2022, contraband brown sugar of 3.1 kg, 3 sophisticated pistols, 7 magazines, 43 rounds of ammunition and cash of Rs. 65,32,000/– and other incriminating materials were seized. Seized properties include cash and bank deposits etc. This is worth to mention that six accused/traffickers had been arrested in this case. Investigation of this case is still continuing.

Financial Investigation against other accused persons is in process. It is worth to mention that accused Sibu alias Siba Prasad Das is a habitual drug trafficker having multiple cases