New Delhi, 02 June (H.S.): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out simultaneous raids at 20 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot as part of a major crackdown on an international narcotics trafficking syndicate. During the operation, the agency examined a large number of documents, digital evidence and records related to financial transactions.

The ED said the searches were being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with its ongoing investigation against Salim Ismail Dola and his associates. Dola was extradited from Türkiye by the Government of India last month. According to investigating agencies, he is a close associate of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim and has allegedly played a key role in operating an international drug trafficking network.

According to the ED, the raids are being conducted at premises linked to suppliers of chemicals used in the manufacture of narcotic substances, intermediaries involved in the chemical trade, traffickers engaged in the production and distribution of the synthetic drug mephedrone (MD), hawala operators, and individuals holding benami properties acquired through proceeds of crime.

The agency stated that its investigation began on the basis of multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in Mumbai against Salim Dola and other accused persons. These cases relate to the illegal trafficking of narcotic and psychotropic substances.

Investigations conducted so far have uncovered an organised international criminal network allegedly involved in procuring precursor chemicals required for manufacturing narcotics, producing mephedrone in clandestine laboratories, distributing the drug across several Indian states, smuggling narcotics abroad, concealing criminal proceeds through hawala channels, and acquiring movable and immovable assets in the names of associates and other individuals.

The ED said that the ongoing searches are aimed at examining the entire chain of operations, from the manufacture of narcotic substances to the laundering of illicit proceeds. The probe also focuses on the role of chemical factories, individuals facilitating financial transactions, accountants and chartered accountants, hawala operators, and persons involved in investing criminal proceeds in benami assets and overseas ventures.

The agency further stated that several important documents, digital records and financial transaction details are being scrutinised during the search operations. Further investigation into the case is currently underway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar