The Federal investigation agency Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached immovable properties valued at Rs 7.17 crore in a case of money laundering arising out of narcotics trafficking offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).
As reported by news agency ANI, ED`s Panaji Zonal Office attached these properties following an investigation in the case the agency initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Goa, dated March 7, 2021, against Ugochukwu Solomon Ubabuko, Infinity John, alias David, alias Valentine Ejezie, and Prasad Prakash Walke for offences under the NDPS Act.
Earlier, the NCB had seized commercial quantities of narcotic substances, including LSD, cocaine, charas, and ganja, from premises located at Assagao, Goa.
Furthermore, the subsequent searches at the residential premises of Prasad Walke also resulted in the recovery of LSD.
ED, while briefing about the case, said that Prasad Walke was earlier arrested by NCB in 2018 and again by the Anti-Narcotic Cell, Goa Police, in 2023 in connection with separate NDPS cases. The cases involved seizure of MDMA, ecstasy powder and hydroponic weed. As of now, Prasad Walke is in judicial custody, reported ANI.
The ED investigation also revealed that proceeds generated from illicit drug trafficking were introduced into the banking system through substantial cash deposits in multiple bank accounts. The accounts were allegedly maintained in the names of Prasad Prakash Walke and Sheetal Prasad Walke.
ED attaches properties in Goa
The attached properties consist of a three-storey residential house in Goa and two two-floored houses in Goa. As reported by ANI, these immovable properties are held in the names of Prasad Prakash Walke and Sheetal Prasad Walke and have been attached as they constitute proceeds of crime derived from scheduled offences of the NDPS Act 1985.
The ED said it reiterates its commitment to combating drug trafficking and money laundering by invoking the provisions of the PMLA and related laws.
As part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan, the ED further said it remains steadfast in its resolve to dismantle drug trafficking networks by striking at their financial roots.
By targeting the laundering of illicit proceeds and attaching properties acquired through drug money, ED is reinforcing the national campaign`s objective of building a drug-free India.
While highlighting the case, the officials from the investigation agency ED said, “This operation exemplifies ED`s continuous efforts to curb the illegal drug trade and to trace, identify, and attach the proceeds of crime generated from such activities, along with sending a strong deterrent message,” as cited by ANI.
(With inputs from ANI)