ED Conducts Searches in Surat, Bhavnagar in International Narcotics Syndicate Probe

Mumbai: The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office-I, conducted search operations at 11 premises across Mumbai and Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra, and Surat and Bhavnagar in Gujarat, on October 28, 2026, as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged international narcotics trafficking syndicate headed by Navin Chichkar, Dhiraj Chichkar and their associates, a press release said.

The searches were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, to trace the drug trafficking network and identify proceeds of crime (PoC) generated through the illicit sale of narcotic substances. The investigation is also aimed at uncovering how drug sale proceeds, largely received in cash, were channelled into the financial system and layered to project them as legitimate income.

The ED initiated its investigation based on a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai, under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The complaint followed the seizure of substantial quantities of high-grade hydroponic cannabis (ganja), cocaine and unaccounted cash in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

According to the ED, Navin Chichkar and others were allegedly operating an established international narcotics network involved in the distribution of cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD and cannabis-based edibles, with much of the contraband reportedly sourced from outside India.

During the searches, the agency seized various incriminating documents and digital devices, including high-end smartphones, laptops and internal storage media. Commercial books of accounts, financial ledgers and investment records were also recovered.

The searches reportedly revealed that proceeds generated from narcotics sales were routed through various channels, with cash converted into foreign currencies, including US dollars and Thai Baht, which were subsequently made available to the accused. The ED also found that some of the alleged proceeds of crime were invested in legitimate businesses to disguise their illicit origins and project them as untainted funds.

Searches at premises linked to certain crypto traders also led to the identification of cryptocurrency wallets and assets prima facie suspected to be linked to the proceeds of crime. The agency has gathered information indicating that certain suspected individuals were operating multiple cryptocurrency trading accounts from outside India.

The ED is examining the identified details to trace linked accounts, analyse transaction histories and identify and secure the suspected proceeds of crime.

Further investigation in the case is underway. DeshGujarat