In a significant blow to the narcotics trade in the region, the Moga Police have seized immovable property valued at approximately Rs 90 lakh belonging to a convicted drug smuggler. This decisive action represents a robust enforcement of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, aimed at crippling the financial infrastructure of drug networks.
Assets Attached in Landmark NDPS Act Case
The confiscated property is linked to Gurpreet Singh, alias Gopi, a resident of Chugha Kalan village in Moga district. Singh is not a first-time offender; he was previously arrested and subsequently convicted in a major heroin smuggling case. Following his conviction, the police initiated proceedings to identify and attach his illegally acquired assets, leading to this substantial seizure.
The attached property includes a plot of land and a residential house, both located in his native village of Chugha Kalan. The total estimated value of these assets is a staggering Rs 90 lakh. This action was carried out under the relevant sections of the NDPS Act, which empower authorities to forfeit any property derived from or used in illicit drug trafficking.
Police Statement on the Crackdown
Senior police officials in Moga have emphasized that this seizure is a clear message to those involved in the drug trade. SSP J. Elanchezhian stated that the force is committed to a multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond mere arrests. "Our focus is on dismantling the entire economic ecosystem that sustains drug smuggling," the SSP said. "Attaching properties acquired through this illegal trade hits the criminals where it hurts the most—their finances."
The police clarified that the process was meticulously followed, with all legal formalities completed to ensure the attachment withstands judicial scrutiny. This case sets a precedent for future actions against other convicted smugglers operating in the district and across Punjab.
Broader Implications for Punjab's War on Drugs
This seizure is part of a larger, sustained campaign by the Punjab Police against drug cartels. The state government has repeatedly directed law enforcement agencies to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and utilize the full strength of the law, including asset forfeiture, to eradicate the drug menace.
The action in Moga demonstrates a strategic shift towards financial investigation and asset recovery in narcotics cases. By targeting the proceeds of crime, authorities aim to prevent convicted smugglers from enjoying their ill-gotten wealth or reinvesting it into further criminal activities upon release. It serves as a potent deterrent, signaling that crime will not pay.
The successful attachment of Rs 90 lakh worth of property is expected to boost similar investigations across other districts. It underscores the effectiveness of the NDPS Act as a tool not just for punishment, but for economic disablement of drug networks. The public has largely welcomed this strong action, hoping it will contribute to a safer and drug-free environment for the youth in Punjab.
