Telangana EAGLE Force seizes ₹25 lakh in drug-linked assets in Bhadradri Kothagudem

The Telangana EAGLE Force has seized movable assets worth ₹25 lakh connected to the proceeds of drug trafficking in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. The action was taken by the Edullabayyaram police, who registered a complaint under Sections 8(c) read with 22(b)(ii)(c), 27(A) and 29 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.

During the probe, investigators arrested several accused persons, including one Pallapu Raghu, and seized 50 kg of ganja valued at around ₹25 lakh along with three cars. The investigation was subsequently widened to trace the financial transactions and assets linked to the narcotics trade.

As part of this exercise, the police examined ownership and transaction records, including registration certificates, purchase invoices and other documents, to establish the ownership and financial trail of the assets. The inquiry identified two SUVs and a TVS Jupiter motorcycle, collectively valued at ₹25 lakh, belonging to Raghu, his associates and relatives. These assets were examined in the context of proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking.

Following the investigation and confirmation by the competent authority in Chennai, the assets were forfeited on September 22 under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act. The forfeiture proceedings are intended to prevent proceeds of drug trafficking from being retained or converted into legitimate-looking assets.