TGANB focuses on foolproof financial investigation into narcotics cases

The Telangana police launched a crackdown on drug mafia and are going tough against those persons who are into narcotics business right from cultivation and manufacturing until the drug peddling and consumption.

Hyderabad: With an aim of breaking the economic backbone of the narcotics trade, the Telangana Anti Narcotics Bureau (TGANB) is focusing on foolproof financial investigation into narcotics cases.

A financial investigation involves the process of evaluating financial transactions and records to find and trace assets concerning criminal activities. Its primary focus is to establish links between criminal activities and assets, identify illegal funds, and gather reliable evidence for legal proceedings.

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The Telangana police launched a crackdown on drug mafia and are going tough against those persons who are into narcotics business right from cultivation and manufacturing until the drug peddling and consumption.

“In certain cases, where the suspects are notorious there is a need to go for financial investigation. It helps in breaking the bone of their business after identifying all assets acquired through the illegal business and freezing it. Also, the possibility of the suspects resuming their business after disposing of the illegally obtained assets minimizes,” said a senior official.

The law enforcement agencies were so far focusing on tracking down and arresting the suspects involved in narcotics business. The regular course of filing chargesheet in the case and ensuring convictions was followed up.

“Now we are asking the local police to conduct a financial investigation into every case and freeze the bank accounts, shares, mutual funds, DEMAT, FDs, crypto currencies accounts and movable and immovable assets of the suspects and benamis,” said the official.

Training was provided in batches to the different law enforcement agencies including the police and prohibition and excise department in regard to financial investigation. “A set of Standard Operation Procedures was drafted and accordingly they have been asked to work. So far we were successful in freezing properties of notorious ganja traders who were conducting business in the city and suburbs,” said the official.

As per the Sec. 68 (F) of NDPS Act, the SHO should conduct financial investigation against the properties of accused and their associates, relatives, friends etc. and issue Freezing Order (FO) and subsequently get confirmation order under the Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (SAFEMA).