Surat: The Mumbai Zonal Office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been carrying out search operations at 20 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot in connection with a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged transnational drug syndicate.

According to the ED, the case pertains to a network allegedly led by Salim Ismail Dola, a drug trafficker brought back to India from Türkiye, and his associates. The probe is being carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The agency said the syndicate is suspected to be involved in the supply of precursor chemicals, manufacturing of MD (Mephedrone) drugs, trafficking of narcotics and laundering of proceeds of crime through hawala channels.

It is learnt that the investigation is focused on uncovering the entire operational chain of the network, including the procurement of raw materials, drug production, trafficking routes, financial transactions and assets allegedly acquired from the illicit proceeds.

Searches were underway at multiple premises linked to the accused and their associates. Further details regarding seizures or recoveries are awaited. DeshGujarat