34 properties worth Rs 80 cr linked to drug trafficker attached in UP

Agra: Muzaffarnagar Police on Tuesday secured orders to attach 34 "illegal" properties worth nearly Rs 80 crore linked to an alleged narcotics trafficker under ‘Operation Savera', an initiative aimed at curbing drug trafficking and promoting a drug-free society in the Saharanpur range, comprising Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar and Shamli districts, officials said.The action follows the arrest of Babu alias Riaz alias Asfaq, 35, a history-sheeter from Shahjahanpur, who was earlier apprehended by Budhana police in Muzaffarnagar with high-value smuggled narcotics.Investigations revealed that the accused had built a vast illegal empire through drug trafficking, acquiring 34 properties across Bareilly and Shahjahanpur in his name and those of his relatives. These include agricultural land, residential plots, multi-storey commercial showrooms, brick kilns, vehicles and other assets, officials said.On the directions of deputy inspector general of police, Saharanpur range, Abhishek Singh, a special team led by SP (rural) Aditya Bansal conducted a detailed probe into the accused's financial assets. Based on the findings, police submitted a report under section 68(F) of the NDPS Act to the competent authority in New Delhi. After examining the evidence, the authority ordered the attachment of all identified assets on Tuesday.According to police records, the accused has a long criminal history, with multiple cases registered under the NDPS Act in Delhi, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur and Muzaffarnagar. These include cases by Delhi Police's special cell and crime branch, as well as several FIRs related to drug trafficking and associated offences. He is also booked in serious criminal cases under IPC provisions such as attempt to murder, assault, and criminal intimidation, along with a recent case under the BNS.SSP Sanjay Kumar Verma said, "The action sends a strong message that assets acquired through illegal drug trade will not be allowed to stand. We are committed to breaking the financial backbone of narcotics networks. Such action will continue."