New Delhi. During the financial investigation, Delhi Zonal Unit of Narcotics Control Bureau has frozen a total amount of ₹76,58,886/- from 10 bank accounts of Shaukat Hussain Shah alias Tehmil Hussain alias Vinod and his associate Irfan Ahmed Shanglu. This action was taken under Section 68F (1) of the NDPS Act 1985.
action on secret information
Earlier on August 23, 2023, based on a tip-off, NCB intercepted a suspicious parcel from a Delhi-based courier company. During investigation, 824 grams of ketamine was recovered from the parcel. Subsequently, another parcel was intercepted on 24 August 2023, from which 998.2 grams of ketamine was seized.
Arrest of accused and recovery of ketamine
During investigation, the sender of these parcels, Shaukat Hussain Shah, was arrested. On his information, 8.830 kg of ketamine was recovered from his rented house in Delhi. In further investigation, his associate Irfan Ahmed Shanglu was also arrested on 4 December 2023. At present both the accused are in judicial custody in Tihar Jail.
What is NCB?
NCB, i.e. Narcotics Control Bureau, is a major agency of the Government of India that works to prevent drug trafficking and illegal use in the country. It was established in 1986 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985. The agency investigates drug crimes, arrests traffickers, and seizes assets acquired through illegal activities. NCB also strives to eliminate drug trafficking networks in collaboration with international organizations and agencies of other countries.
Ketamine is a banned substance
Ketamine has been listed as a narcotic under the NDPS Act 1985. This substance is banned due to high abuse and addiction potential. Its possession, sale, purchase, transportation and consumption without a license or a valid doctor’s prescription is a crime by law. Under Section 22 of the NDPS Act, the offense in commercial quantity is punishable with a minimum punishment of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years and a fine of up to ₹2 lakh. NCB, while investigating the bank accounts of the accused, found that the money deposited in these accounts was obtained from illegal drug trade. On this basis this amount was confiscated.
A complaint in this case was registered against both the accused on 15 February 2024. NCB, while thoroughly investigating the case, has termed it a major success against drug trafficking.
