ED in Kochi Attaches Properties Worth Rs 3.59 crore

In the case of the seizure of drugs and arms from Sri Lankan nationals on the Sri Lankan boat ‘Ravihansi,’ the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached properties worth Rs. 3.59 crore, including 6 landed properties, 12 vehicles, cash and bank deposits belonging to Suresh Raj A., Satkunam @Sabeshan, Ramesh A., and Soundararajan @Sounder.

The Indian Coast Guard intercepted a Sri Lankan fishing boat named ‘Ravihansi’ near Minicoy Island, Lakshadweep within Indian territorial waters on 18.03.2021, and upon rummaging, discovered a large quantity of contraband articles (300.323 kilogrammes Heroin), five (05) assault rifles, and one thousand (1000) 9 mm ammunitions. Following that, the NIA in Kochi took over the investigation, lodged a FIR, and filed a charge sheet against Sri Lankan nationals and others.

The drugs and arms smuggled in Sri Lankan boat ‘Ravihansi’ were meant for Suresh, Satkunam, and their associates, and the sale proceeds of the said drugs would be used for purchasing the next consignment of drugs and also for the revival of the proscribed terrorist organisation LTTE, according to an investigation conducted by the ED based on a FIR filed by the NIA, Kochi. Suresh Raj A. and Satkunam were previously involved in a similar crime with the active help of Ramesh and Soundarajan, according to the investigation. Suresh Raj A. and Satkunam had previously been convicted in the NDPS case. Soundarajan is facing a criminal charge for a scheduling offence. The proceeds of crime of Rs. 3.59 crore were derived/obtained through the commission of schedule offences in the form of six (6) landed properties, twelve (12) automobiles, cash, and bank deposits.

The proceeds of crime worth Rs.3.59 crore have been provisionally attached by PAO dated 08.04.2022, because the accused parties are in possession of, hiding, or using them.

Further investigation is in progress.