Jaipur: Palatial mansions, sprawling villas and prime commercial properties, not a luxury real estate portfolio, but a Rs 212 crore empire that Jhalawar police claim to have dismantled in what is being described as Rajasthan’s largest crackdown on narcotics trafficking.Over the past year, Jhalawar police, in coordination with the revenue and forest depts, have demolished illegal structures, removed encroachments and frozen assets allegedly linked to drug traffickers and their associates. The action was carried out under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that permit authorities to seize contraband and target wealth generated through criminal activities.Jhalawar SP Amit Kumar said the campaign resulted in the removal of encroachments worth nearly Rs 75 crore and the freezing of properties valued at Rs 137.56 crore, taking the total value of action to over Rs 212 crore.According to police records, 179 criminal cases have been registered against those targeted in the drive, including 44 cases related to narcotics trafficking. The seizures include 5.548 kg of heroin, 360 kg of poppy husk, 126 kg of cannabis, 1.236 kg of opium and 1.843 kg of MDMA, along with other narcotic substances and precursor chemicals.Investigators estimate the international market value of the seized contraband at more than Rs 40 crore.Kumar said police identified 25 alleged drug traffickers as primary targets of the operation. Investigations also brought 72 associates and accomplices under scrutiny, reflecting a network-based strategy aimed at dismantling entire trafficking syndicates rather than targeting individual offenders.He said the focus has increasingly shifted towards tracing the proceeds of crime and identifying properties allegedly acquired through the narcotics trade. Special teams have been gathering intelligence on inter-state smuggling networks and supply chains involved in transporting drugs across regions.“As soon as information is received, we complete the required documentation and coordinate with the revenue and forest departments for action,” Kumar said.Police said several accused had allegedly constructed lavish properties worth crores of rupees using proceeds generated from narcotics trafficking.
