New Delhi, 04 June (H.S.):

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at 21 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot on June 2 and 3 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002. The action is linked to an ongoing investigation into an international organised drug trafficking syndicate allegedly operated by Salim Ismail Dola and his associates.

During the searches, the ED covered a wide network associated with Dola, including chemical suppliers, chemical traders, manufacturers and distributors of the synthetic narcotic mephedrone (MD), hawala operators, and individuals holding benami properties worth crores of rupees. The objective of the operation was to disrupt the operational chain and financial structure of the syndicate by targeting key nodes in its illicit supply and money laundering networks.

The searches led to the seizure and freezing of approximately ₹1.33 crore in cash, foreign currency, gold bars, and bank balances. Documents related to immovable properties worth several crores located in India and Dubai were also recovered.

The agency stated that the investigation is based on multiple first information reports (FIRs) registered by various law enforcement agencies in Mumbai. Preliminary findings indicate the existence of a highly organised transnational criminal network involved in the procurement of precursor chemicals, clandestine manufacture of mephedrone, interstate transportation and distribution, international drug trafficking, laundering of proceeds of crime through hawala channels, and layered investments in assets held in the names of associates and other individuals.

The ED further stated that investigation in the case is ongoing.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar