NCB’s Bold Move – Two Drug Lords Detained, Syndicate Disrupted
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has once again demonstrated its commitment to dismantling drug syndicates by detaining two notorious drug lords, Akshay Chhabra and Jaspal Singh, alias Goldy, under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act. This decisive action, carried out by the NCB’s Chandigarh Zonal Unit, marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against the pervasive influence of drug mafias operating from within jails.
Akshay Chhabra and Jaspal Singh, despite being incarcerated, continued to orchestrate their illicit operations, leading to multiple FIRs against them. The NCB’s relentless pursuit culminated in their detention, a move aimed at severing the operational ties of this powerful drug syndicate. This strategic action follows an earlier detention of Balwinder Singh, alias Billa Havellian, on August 13, highlighting the bureau’s sustained efforts to tackle the jail-based drug mafia nexus.
Akshay Chhabra was apprehended at Jaipur International Airport on November 24, 2022, as he attempted to flee to Sharjah, UAE. During the investigation, Jaspal Singh alias ç emerged as a key player in Chhabra’s drug syndicate. This international drug syndicate, based in Ludhiana, was found to have smuggled approximately 1,400 kg of heroin through various ports in Punjab, Gujarat, and Jammu and Kashmir.
The NCB’s extensive operation has led to the arrest of 20 individuals connected to this syndicate, including traffickers, white-collar criminals, and two Afghan nationals. The seizures made during this investigation are staggering: 40 kg of heroin, 0.557 kg of opium, 23.645 kg of suspected narcotics powder, four bottles of HCL, 31 live bullets, and one magazine. Additionally, two heroin processing hideouts have been dismantled, and over Rs 57 crore worth of immovable and movable properties have been frozen.
The detention of Chhabra and Singh underscores the NCB’s commitment to disrupting the operations of drug syndicates that exploit prison systems to continue their activities. This operation not only hampers the immediate capabilities of these drug lords but also sends a strong message to other syndicates about the reach and resolve of the NCB.
The NCB’s recent detentions of Akshay Chhabra and Jaspal Singh signify a critical victory in the fight against drug trafficking. By targeting the operational heads of these syndicates, the NCB is not only disrupting current activities but also preventing future illicit operations. This bold move serves as a testament to the bureau’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a drug-free society, proving that justice will prevail against those who threaten public safety and well-being.
What is the PITNDPS Act? The Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PITNDPS) Act is a legal framework designed to curb the trafficking and distribution of narcotics and psychotropic substances in India. It allows for preventive detention of individuals involved in such activities.
Why were Akshay Chhabra and Jaspal Singh detained? They were detained due to their continued involvement in drug trafficking activities despite being incarcerated. Multiple FIRs had been filed against them, prompting the NCB to take preventive action under the PITNDPS Act.
What was the role of Akshay Chhabra in the drug syndicate? Akshay Chhabra was a key figure in the drug syndicate, orchestrating large-scale heroin smuggling operations from various ports in India. He was arrested while attempting to flee the country.
How did the NCB uncover the syndicate’s operations? Through intensive investigations and tracking the activities of individuals involved, the NCB was able to uncover the extent of the syndicate’s operations, leading to multiple arrests and seizures of narcotics and related paraphernalia.
What were the key seizures made by the NCB? The NCB seized 40 kg of heroin, 0.557 kg of opium, 23.645 kg of suspected narcotics powder, four bottles of HCL, 31 live bullets, and one magazine. Additionally, significant amounts of properties worth over Rs 57 crore were frozen.
What does this operation mean for future drug control efforts? This operation highlights the effectiveness of the NCB’s strategies and its ability to dismantle drug syndicates. It sets a precedent for future operations, demonstrating that the NCB can and will take decisive action to combat drug trafficking networks.
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