The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a nationwide crackdown on an international drug syndicate operating from India. On Tuesday, the agency conducted searches across 20 locations in Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot, including premises linked to associates of fugitive underworld don Dawood Ibrahim.
Salim Dola's arrest leads to key intelligence
Salim Dola, a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, was recently arrested in Turkey at India's request and subsequently deported. His interrogation provided crucial intelligence about the syndicate's operations, particularly the smuggling of the synthetic drug mephedrone from India. The probe revealed that the drug was being manufactured in India with the complicity of certain chemical unit owners.
Targeted searches and network details
The searches were directed at a transnational narcotics trafficking network operated by Dola and his associates. According to the ED, the raids targeted suppliers of precursor chemicals, intermediaries in chemical trading, traffickers involved in the manufacture and distribution of mephedrone, hawala operators, and individuals holding benami properties acquired from drug syndicate proceeds.
The ED stated that its investigation uncovered an organized transnational criminal network engaged in multiple illegal activities. These include procurement of precursor chemicals, clandestine manufacture of mephedrone, interstate distribution, international trafficking, laundering of proceeds through hawala channels, and acquisition of assets in the names of associates and other individuals.
The agency continues to probe the network, which is believed to have extensive operations across India and abroad. Further arrests and seizures are expected as the investigation progresses.
