Cannabis trafficking crackdown: ED attaches Rs 2.21 crore assets linked to cannabis traffickers; Three accused involved in organized drug network

Agartala: The Enforcement Directorate, Agartala, on Friday attached movable and immovable assets worth about Rs 2.21 crore in Sepahijala district under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.The attached properties belong to Bishu Kumar Tripura, Kamini Debbarma and Bikash Debbarma, accused of acquiring assets through cannabis trafficking and laundering the proceeds through multiple bank accounts and other channels, the agency said.The investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs registered by Tripura Police at Melaghar and Bishalgarh police stations after the recovery of around 4 metric tonnes of dry cannabis from their possession.Based on these FIRs, the ED initiated proceedings under the PMLA, 2002, and conducted raids at several residential locations, including the property of Bishu Kumar Tripura. During these searches, authorities discovered an additional 66 kg of cannabis stored at his residence.

The investigation revealed that Bishu Kumar Tripura and Kamini Debbarma were actively involved in an organised network engaged in illegal cannabis trafficking to West Bengal, Bihar, and other locations.The proceeds of crime were allegedly invested in properties, vehicles, a brick-field business, and a flat in Kolkata. Further analysis revealed that falsified balance sheets were created to project legitimate business income, thereby masking the origins of the illicit funds and facilitating the laundering and cross-border movement of illegal proceeds.