Chennai, Aug 1:
Officials of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations under PMLA, 2002 at various premises in Hyderabad and Chennai in Ketamine trafficking case and sezied Rs 88.82 lakh cash and USD 18,000.
An official release said the ED Bengaluru Zonal Office conducted the raids in connection with investigation into an organised clandestine manufacturing and trafficking of Ketamine, classified as a psychotropic substance under NDPS Act, 1985. During the search operations, Indian Currency of Rs. 82.82 Lakh and Foreign Currency of USD 18,000.00 as well as various incriminating documents, digital devices, mobile phones, financial records, business records, property documents and other material evidence were recovered and seized.
The unauthorized possession, trade, or use of Ketamine is a serious criminal offense under NDPS, 1985 and is also part of Scheduled offense under PMLA, 2002.
The investigation originates from an ECIR recorded on the basis of prosecution complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Bengaluru, under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. The predicate offence pertains to seizure of 26.75 Kg of Ketamine from J. Kannan at Bengaluru on April 30, 2019 and subsequent recovery of 25.45 Kg of Ketamine from a clandestine laboratory operated by Shivaraj Urs alias Mahesh Uthappa the next day .
The investigation also revealed that raw material was arranged from the R&D Centre of M/s. Inchem Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad, by Putta Venkateshwarlu. Investigation under PMLA has revealed that Shivaraj Urs was allegedly engaged in clandestine manufacture of Ketamine from a laboratory established at Bengaluru.
The investigation further disclosed that Putta Venkateshwarlu, R&D In-charge of M/s. Inchem Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., allegedly supplied Ketamine intermediate/raw material and technical knowhow to Shivaraj Urs for manufacture of Ketamine. It is pertinent to mention that the accused persons in this case J Kannan, Shivaraj Urs and Putta Venkateshwarlu are habitual offenders and have previously been involved in process/activity related to illegal manufacture/ sale/ transport of Ketamine.
Investigation has further revealed that the proceeds generated from illicit manufacture and sale of Ketamine were allegedly received through cash and Hawala channels and utilised for acquisition of movable and immovable assets, investments in companies/firms and meeting personal expenses.
During the search operations, cash, foreign currency and various incriminating documents were seized.
Further investigation is under progress.