In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking networks, Himachal Pradesh police have seized assets totaling Rs 1.64 crore believed to have been acquired illegally by a drug trafficker operating in Theog. The operation targeted individuals accumulating wealth through illicit means, with the seized assets including a residential plot, a commercial property, vehicles, and various bank accounts.
The Chenab Times has learned that the action followed the arrest of Sohan Lal, also known as Happy, who was apprehended on June 10, 2026, with approximately 71 grams of opium. The arrest took place at his barber shop located on Hospital Road, Rahighat, in Theog. Following the discovery, a case was registered against Lal under Section 18 of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, initiating a comprehensive investigation into his activities.
During the course of the investigation, it was revealed that the accused had been engaged in the opium trade for an extended period. He was reportedly orchestrating a drug trafficking network that extended across Theog, Kotkhai, Rohru, and other adjacent areas within the district. A subsequent financial investigation into his dealings uncovered the extent of his ill-gotten gains.
The financial probe indicated that Lal had amassed substantial assets, including a plot of residential land and a two-storey shop. Additionally, several vehicles and funds deposited across various bank and post office accounts were identified as part of his illegally acquired wealth. The total estimated value of these assets has been pegged at Rs 1.64 crore, according to police reports.
Authorities noted that Sohan Lal was reportedly the sole earning member of his family. However, the magnitude of his declared assets was found to be inconsistent with his known income sources, further raising suspicions of illicit financial activities. Acting swiftly on these findings, the police team moved to confiscate all assets that were allegedly acquired through proceeds from drug trafficking.
The Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) City, Mehar Panwar, addressed a press conference regarding the operation. She stated that the police department has intensified its efforts to dismantle drug trafficking rings and recover illegal assets. The investigation into Lal’s network and financial dealings is ongoing, with authorities seeking to uncover any further accomplices or illegal holdings.
Panwar further highlighted the broader success of the district police in combating drug-related crimes. She reported that, to date this year, the police have seized assets valued at over Rs 8 crore through financial investigations conducted in approximately 12 cases registered under the NDPS Act. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the asset seizure amounts in previous years, indicating a more robust approach to financial investigation in drug trafficking cases.
She also clarified that no financial investigations related to drug trafficking cases were conducted during the years 2024 and 2025. This suggests a renewed focus and enhanced capacity for financial probes in the current year, contributing to the significant rise in seized assets. The police department has emphasized its commitment to pursuing financial trails of drug traffickers to disrupt their operations and deter future criminal activities.
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