Mandi police in Himachal Pradesh have taken decisive action against illegal narcotics trafficking by freezing assets linked to an individual accused under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The move is part of a broader crackdown aimed at dismantling drug networks and seizing proceeds derived from illicit activities.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the case stems from an arrest made on May 10, 2025, at the Hatli police station. Manohar Lal, a resident of Dalah village in Baldwara tehsil of Mandi district, was apprehended after police found 466 grams of opium in his possession. He faces charges under Sections 18, 25, and 29 of the NDPS Act.
Subsequent investigations by the Mandi police established that Manohar Lal had allegedly amassed movable and immovable properties through the illegal drug trade. In response, authorities initiated proceedings under Section 68F of the NDPS Act to attach and freeze these assets. The action received legal validation when the competent authority in New Delhi confirmed the seizure on April 30, 2026.
The identified and seized properties include a parcel of agricultural land measuring approximately 0-10-89 hectares in Khalihan village, Balh tehsil, estimated to be worth Rs 13,104. Additionally, a double-storey residential house located in the same village, valued at Rs 11,88,331, has been frozen. A Bajaj Pulsar motorcycle, bearing registration number HP28C2846, with an assessed value of Rs 94,155, also forms part of the confiscated assets.
Senior police officials in Mandi emphasized that this action serves as a stern warning. They stated that assets accumulated through the illegal drug trade will not be tolerated and will face stringent legal consequences. The Superintendent of Police, Mandi, Vinod Kumar, highlighted the pervasive threat posed by narcotics trafficking to societal well-being and reiterated the commitment to pursuing those involved with severe legal repercussions, including the forfeiture of illicitly acquired properties.
This operation is integrated into an ongoing, intensified anti-drug campaign being spearheaded by the Mandi police. The campaign’s objective is to systematically dismantle existing drug trafficking networks within the district and its surrounding areas. Authorities have indicated that such enforcement actions will persist, targeting not only the individuals engaged in narcotics peddling but also systematically disrupting their financial infrastructure. The aim is to ensure a sustainable and impactful long-term strategy in the nationwide fight against the scourge of narcotics.
The NDPS Act, enacted to combat drug trafficking and abuse, provides stringent measures for investigation, prosecution, and forfeiture of assets derived from illegal drug activities. Section 68F of the Act specifically empowers the government to freeze or seize illegally acquired property suspected to be linked to drug trafficking. This legal framework is crucial in targeting the economic foundations of drug cartels and preventing the reinvestment of illicit funds into further criminal enterprises.
The Mandi police’s proactive stance reflects a growing national focus on combating the drug menace, which has a devastating impact on communities, particularly among the youth. By targeting the financial gains of drug traffickers, law enforcement agencies aim to disincentivize such activities and create a deterrent effect. The successful attachment of assets underscores the effectiveness of inter-agency coordination and the utilization of legal provisions to achieve a comprehensive approach to drug control.
The continued vigilance and operational effectiveness of police forces across states are vital in safeguarding public health and security. The Mandi district’s initiative exemplifies a commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related offenses and a dedication to recovering the proceeds of crime for the betterment of society. The process involved rigorous documentation and legal procedures to ensure the integrity of the asset forfeiture process, aligning with due process requirements.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
