Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau..
In a major crackdown on drug trafficking, the Udham Singh Nagar police have initiated proceedings to attach illegal properties worth nearly ₹6.7 crore belonging to two alleged narcotics traffickers, sending a strong message against the drug trade in the district.
The action comes as part of an intensified campaign led by Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ajay Ganpati, aimed at dismantling the economic backbone of drug networks in line with the state government’s resolve for a drug-free and crime-free Uttarakhand.
The first case dates back to January 1, 2025, when police intercepted Rifaquat, a resident of Fatehganj West in Bareilly, during a checking drive in the Pulbhatta area. According to police, the accused opened fire at the team with an intent to kill but was injured and arrested in retaliatory action. A total of 1,060 grams of illegal smack, along with a .315 bore country-made pistol and cartridges, were recovered from his possession. During the investigation, authorities found immovable assets worth approximately ₹3.7 crore in his name, allegedly acquired through drug trafficking. Proceedings for their attachment were initiated on March 19, 2026, through the competent authority under the NDPS Act in New Delhi.
In another case registered on April 11, 2025, police seized 434.748 kilograms of ganja from a vehicle in Pulbhatta. Investigations revealed Sanjay Gupta, a resident of Rudrapur, as the kingpin of an inter-state drug network. Police said he used vehicles registered in others’ names to evade detection while amassing assets worth around ₹3 crore, including plots, shops, houses and vehicles. Action for attachment of these properties has also been initiated under Section 68(F) of the NDPS Act.
SSP Ajay Ganpati said, “We are committed to breaking the financial networks of drug traffickers. Properties acquired through illegal means will be identified and attached without exception.” He added, “We appeal to the public to share information about drug-related activities. The identity of informants will be kept strictly confidential.”
