Election-time seizure: Rs 9,000cr worth of cash, liquor, drugs & freebies seized so far

Enforcement agencies have seized almost Rs 9,000 crore worth of cash, liquor, drugs and freebies in the last two months targeted at influencing the voters. Election-time seizure is almost 2.5x more than what was seized in the 2019 elections. The total seizure is expected to rise as three more rounds of polls are all set to follow in the next two weeks.

According to a report released by the Election Commission, 45% of the total seizure was from drugs and narcotics. The report showed a seizure of Rs 849 crore in cash and approximately 5.4 crore litres of liquor worth Rs 815 crore

Gujarat experienced the maximum seizure among all the other states and UTs with a total seizure of Rs 1,462 crore out of which Rs 89 crore worth of drugs was seized in a joint operation by Gujarat ATS, Narcotics Control Bureau and Indian Coast Guard over three days. Rajasthan follows Gujarat in the list of maximum seizures.

The poll body said, “The seizures in other cohorts have equally been impressive and surpasses the entire seizures of 2019 parliamentary elections by a big margin… Enhanced vigil against inducements including drugs and psychotropic substances has resulted in big seizure actions and continuous surge. Drug seizures have been maximum,”

An analysis by the Election Commission showed that states and UTs that used to be transit zones are eventually turning into consumption zones.

Noida Police on 17 April, apprehended a drug factory in Greater Noida seizing 26.7 kg of MDMA drug worth Rs 150 crore, followed by the arrest of two foreigners.

The election commission is geared up for the next polls keeping a close track on attempts of influencing the voters. The commission has directed the enforcement agencies to attentively track any such temptations.

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