21 September , Shimla
Shimla Police have seized movable and immovable properties worth approximately ₹4.13 crore in connection with an NDPS case, as part of a financial investigation into assets allegedly acquired through illegal drug trafficking. The action relates to FIR No. 107 dated August 14, 2024, registered at Sadar Police Station, Shimla, under Sections 21 and 29 of the NDPS Act. On August 13, 2024, approximately 6.5 grams of heroin/chitta was recovered from the possession of Suraj, a resident of Lakhisarai, Bihar, currently residing in South Delhi, and Rohit Pandey, a resident of Ara, Bihar, also residing in South Delhi, at a hotel near the Old Bus Stand in Shimla.
During the subsequent investigation, additional accused were arrested on the basis of backward and forward linkages associated with the case.
In 2026, Shimla Police initiated a financial investigation in the case. During the probe, the properties and financial assets of the accused and persons linked to them were examined. The investigation identified movable and immovable properties in the names of nine accused and 10 associates, involving a total of 19 individuals. The identified assets include two residential land plots, two residential buildings, an apartment, a homestay and several luxury vehicles, including a Mahindra Thar, Hyundai Creta, Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Tata Nexon, among other vehicles. The total estimated value of the 20 identified properties is approximately ₹4.13 crore.
According to the investigation, no sufficient known and legitimate source of income was found in relation to the concerned accused and associates to explain the acquisition of these properties. Based on the financial and property-related evidence examined during the investigation, the properties were identified as alleged drug proceeds. Shimla Police have consequently initiated action to seize the properties under the relevant provisions of the NDPS Act.
The police said the action reflects an expanded strategy against drug trafficking, moving beyond the recovery of narcotics and arrest of alleged traffickers to targeting the financial networks and assets generated through the illegal drug trade. The identification and seizure of properties allegedly acquired through drug proceeds is aimed at weakening the financial infrastructure supporting narcotics trafficking.
Shimla Police said that so far in 2026, properties worth more than ₹12.52 crore belonging to 68 accused and their associates have been seized in connection with 15 NDPS cases.The seized assets include residential and commercial land plots, residential apartments, commercial shops, luxury and commercial vehicles, bank deposits, cash and gold ornaments. Police further stated that similar action had not been carried out in 2024 and 2025, highlighting the increased focus on financial investigations and the seizure of alleged drug proceeds in 2026.
