In a significant operation against drug trafficking networks, the Shimla police have frozen illegal assets worth Rs 70 lakh in two separate cases. The assets were acquired by drug peddlers using proceeds from the illegal drug trade, according to Additional Superintendent of Police (City), Shimla, Mehar Panwar.
First Case: February 2025 Arrest Leads to Major Seizure
On February 11, 2025, the district police arrested Sahil from the Rampur area with 6 grams of chitta (heroin). A case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, was registered, and an investigation was initiated. As the probe progressed, the police arrested six more individuals. A detailed financial investigation revealed that the accused had acquired assets worth Rs 32 lakh, including a vehicle, 44.1 grams of gold, and several other valuables. “All these assets have now been frozen by the police,” Panwar said.
Second Case: April 2026 Preventive Detention Leads to Asset Freeze
In the second case, on April 25, 2026, the district police arrested Chetan Chauhan under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act, 1988. He is currently lodged in the District Sub-Jail at Kaithu, Shimla. Following his preventive detention, the police carried out a detailed financial investigation and found assets worth Rs 38 lakh, including a truck, a car, 74 grams of gold, and other belongings. These assets were subsequently frozen.
Yearly Total Reaches Rs 1.83 Crore
The ASP stated that the district police have frozen assets worth Rs 1.83 crore so far this year. No such action had been taken in the previous two years, she added. She emphasized that the police would continue to target and seize the financial assets of those involved in drug trafficking to dismantle their networks and curb the illegal trade.
