ED attaches assets in 300-kg heroin and arms seizure case

NEW DELHI:

The Enforcement Directorate has attached properties worth Rs.3.59 crore in connection with the seizure of over 300-kg heroin and arms from a Sri Lankan boat named “Ravihansi” near Minicoy Island in Lakshadweep about a year ago.

The attached assets include six landed properties, 12 vehicles, cash and bank deposits belonging to Suresh Raj A, Satkunam aka Sabeshan, Ramesh A. and Soundarajan.

On March 18 last year, the Indian Coast Guard had intercepted the Sri Lankan fishing boat within the territorial waters of India and on rummaging, it found that the boat was carrying more than 300 kg of heroin, five assault rifles and 1,000 rounds of 9 mm ammunitions.

Subsequently, the Kochi unit of the National Investigation Agency registered a case and filed a charge sheet against the Sri Lankan nationals concerned and others, following a probe. As it turned out, the contraband was meant for Suresh, Satkunam and their associates.

It is alleged that sale proceeds of the drugs was to be used for buying the next consignment and also for reviving the proscribed terror outfit, LTTE. “Investigation further revealed that Suresh Raj A. and Satkunam were involved in a similar crime earlier with the active support of Ramesh and Soundarajan,” said the ED.

Suresh and Satkunam were earlier convicted in a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. “A criminal case under the schedule offence is pending against Soundarajan,” said the agency.

(EOM)