New Delhi, 08 June (H.S.):

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday conducted searches at four locations across Mizoram, Tripura and West Bengal in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to narcotics trafficking. The agency has so far traced proceeds of crime exceeding ₹142 crore. The case is related to an international drug trafficking network with links to Myanmar and Bangladesh.

The action was carried out by the ED's Aizawl Sub-Zonal Office under Section 17 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The investigation is based on a case registered by the Agartala Zonal Unit of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).

The case stems from the seizure of 49.101 kilograms of methamphetamine and 40 grams of heroin in Tripura on August 21, 2025.

According to the ED, the investigation has uncovered an organised transnational drug trafficking syndicate that allegedly smuggled methamphetamine from Myanmar into India through the Champhai–Zokhawthar corridor in Mizoram. The narcotics consignments were subsequently transported to receivers operating in Tripura.

The probe has further revealed that proceeds generated from the illegal drug trade were allegedly concealed and routed through multiple bank accounts and shell companies in an effort to disguise the origin of the funds. Investigators have identified more than ₹142 crore in suspected illicit financial transactions linked to the network.

The ED stated that the locations searched in Tripura were situated approximately 200 metres from the Bangladesh border, while one of the premises raided in Mizoram was located around 500 metres from the Myanmar border.

The agency is continuing its investigation into the movement of funds, the operational structure of the trafficking network and the involvement of other individuals connected to the alleged money laundering activities.

Officials said the probe remains ongoing and further action may follow as investigators continue to examine financial records, cross-border links and other evidence gathered during the searches.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar