Polls: Rs 8,889 Cr worth seized; 45% constitutes drugs, says EC
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New Delhi: Seizures to the tune of Rs 8,889 crore has been seized during the elections across the country since March 1, the Election Commission of India (ECI) revealed on Saturday. The poll body added that out of the total seizures, 45 per cent are drugs, Asian News International reported.
The poll body said that enhanced vigil against inducements such as drugs and psychotropic substances resulted in big seizures, and such seizures have been maximum.
"Regular follow-ups and reviews of districts and agencies in areas of expenditure monitoring, precise data interpretation and active participation of enforcement agencies have led to this significant spurt in seizures since March 1," ANI quoted the ECI.
The Narcotics Control Bureau worked closely with the ECI, and while there was active involvement of DRI, the Indian Coast Guard, state police, and other agencies, it was learnt.
The poll body said that after the increased intensity of campaigning in the final three phases, it is keeping a close watch on instances of voters being influenced through inducements. The body has directed CEOs and enforcement agencies to step up vigil.
The poll body was quoted saying, "These elections have witnessed a series of targeted actions against the menace of drugs. Other states apart from Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi have also shown seizures of drugs. On 17.04.2024, Noida Police busted a drug factory in Greater Noida wherein 26.7 kg of MDMA drug valued at ₹ 150 Crore were seized, and two persons of foreign origin were arrested. The seizures in other cohorts have been equally impressive and surpasses all the seizures in the 2019 Parliamentary Elections."