Competent Authority In Kolkata Orders Forfeiture Of Properties Of Odisha’s Ganja Smugglers

Bhubaneswar: The Competent Authority in Kolkata on Tuesday issued an order for forfeiture of properties worth over Rs 3 crore seized in a narcotics case in Odisha’s Malkangiri district.

As per the case, during patrolling in the area under MV-79 police station on February 1, the police had apprehended a tractor and seized ganja weighing 1406 kg from its trolley. Police had arrested six persons for smuggling the contraband and registered a case.

The financial investigation of the accused revealed that they had illegally acquired properties worth around Rs 3.05 crore. The properties were seized and 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, Kolkata as per provisions of NDPS Act 1985.

The Competent Authority issued the order of seizure of properties on the basis of the proposal. It had also issued forfeiture of properties worth Rs 1.65 crore and properties worth Rs 4.77 crore in two separate cases in Nabarangpur district.

The Competent Authority is a quasi judicial authority under NDPS Act to pass order for forfeiture of such illegally acquired property.