Ankleshwar: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at multiple locations in Gujarat and Maharashtra as part of a major crackdown on an alleged international narcotics smuggling syndicate linked to drug trafficker Salim Dola, a close aide of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim. As part of the operation, a chemical manufacturing unit in Ankleshwar has also come under the scanner.

The ED carried out simultaneous search operations at around 20 locations, including Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). However, it is learnt that local police authorities were not informed about the operation in advance.

Among the premises searched was Vandana Chemical Company located in the Ankleshwar GIDC area. The raid created a stir in industrial circles, with investigators reportedly examining suspected financial transactions, benami assets and documents linked to alleged money laundering activities.

According to reports, the ED has seized several documents, digital records, hard disks, mobile phones and other electronic devices during the searches. The agency is analysing the material for evidence related to the alleged narcotics network and its financial transactions.

The action follows recent developments in the investigation involving Salim Dola, who was extradited to India from Turkey. During his interrogation, investigators reportedly obtained information that led to fresh leads and a wider probe into the syndicate’s operations.

More revelations and further action against additional suspects are likely in the coming days, sources said. DeshGujarat