In a significant crackdown on drug-related crimes, Jammu Police have attached two houses belonging to alleged drug peddlers under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.
The move, described as part of the ongoing "war against drugs," was executed in Rajeev Nagar, Bahu Fort area, officials said on Sunday.
According to a police spokesperson, the properties in question belonged to Poonam Devi and Khemo Devi. The action was carried out under Sections 68(E) and (F) of the NDPS Act, which allows authorities to seize assets believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of illegal narcotics trade.
Illegally acquired properties seized
A thorough investigation into multiple FIRs registered against the accused revealed that the value of their properties far exceeded their known sources of income. This led law enforcement to believe that the houses, worth lakhs of rupees, were illegally acquired through drug trafficking.
The attachment process took place on Saturday in the presence of an executive magistrate and a team of police officials. Authorities have confirmed that both Poonam Devi and Khemo Devi have a history of involvement in drug-related offenses.
Poonam Devi, who was previously booked under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act, was released from jail three months ago.
However, she was once again found engaging in illegal drug activities, leading to the latest police action. She has three FIRs against her at Bahu Fort police station from 2022, while Khemo Devi has been named in four FIRs between 2020 and 2022.
Also read: Bill to ban liquor in J&K gains widespread support
Arrest of wanted criminal Simranjot Singh
In a separate operation, Jammu Police also arrested a notorious criminal, Simranjot Singh, in the Miran Sahib area on Saturday. Singh, a resident of Chatha Pind, has been implicated in multiple serious offenses, including attempted murder, armed assault, and illegal possession of weapons.
The police confirmed that he was wanted in at least 10 different FIRs registered across various police stations. His arrest marks another major success in the administration’s efforts to clamp down on organized crime in the region.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling drug networks and criminal syndicates in Jammu and urged the public to support law enforcement in eradicating the drug menace.
Also Read: J&K declares Gulmarg 'tobacco-free zone' before Khelo India Games
Follow us
