EAGLE Force seizes properties worth ₹3.02 crore in Alprazolam trafficking case

The EAGLE Force, Telangana, and Nizamabad Rural police have seized properties worth an estimated market value of ₹3.02 crore allegedly acquired from proceeds of Alprazolam trafficking, as part of an investigation into an interstate drug network.

The properties, seized on September 8 under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act following confirmation by the competent authority at Chennai, include 4.20 acres of agricultural land, 667.15 square yards of open plots, a residential house, a four-wheeler and a two-wheeler. Their value as per government rates was assessed at about ₹52 lakh, while the prevailing market value was estimated at ₹3.02 crore.

The financial investigation followed the arrest of four persons, including Gandham Srinivas Goud, Botlakunta Katamaiah Goud and Male Anil Goud, by Nizamabad Rural police and the seizure of 1.087 kg of Alprazolam. Police also seized ₹3.5 lakh in cash, two cars and five mobile phones during the investigation.

Investigators found indications of an interstate supply network involving Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Police identified Ratan Singh of Rajasthan as being involved in the procurement, manufacture, transportation and distribution of Alprazolam. The investigation against Srinivas Goud also uncovered several earlier cases linked to Alprazolam and Chloral Hydrate. According to police, he had been involved in procuring Alprazolam from Rajasthan and Chloral Hydrate from Sholapur in Maharashtra, storing the substances at residential premises and godowns and supplying them to surrounding districts.

Police said the activity had been traced to 2016, when Armoor Excise police seized 2 kg of Alprazolam and 30 kg of Chloral Hydrate, while Nizamabad Excise police seized 8 kg of Alprazolam. Further seizures were reported in 2017, 2018 and 2022, involving Alprazolam and large quantities of Chloral Hydrate. In 2022, Nirmal Excise police invoked the Preventive Detention Act against Srinivas Goud and he was detained and lodged in Cherlapally Jail.

The latest investigation focused not only on the supply chain but also on following the money trail. Investigators examined revenue passbooks, sale deeds, property tax receipts, building permissions, registration certificates and purchase invoices to establish ownership and trace the financial trail of the identified assets.