Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at more than 20 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of a money laundering investigation linked to an alleged international drug syndicate.
The operation, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), focused on financial transactions allegedly connected to a network run by Salim Ismail Dola and his associates.
Raids were conducted in Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot, targeting premises linked to suspected manufacturers of Mephedrone (MD), suppliers of precursor chemicals, hawala operators and alleged benami property holders.
According to sources, investigators are probing the financial trail of the syndicate, which is suspected to have been involved in drug production, transportation and laundering of illicit proceeds.
Salim Dola, who was recently extradited to India from Turkey, is under investigation for his alleged role in the network. Agencies are also examining his suspected links with underworld elements as part of the probe.
Officials said the investigation has uncovered indications that illegal funds may have been routed through hawala channels and invested in assets in India and abroad.
The ED is also looking into the role of chemical suppliers, intermediaries, financial managers, accountants and hawala operators allegedly associated with the network.
Documents, digital records and other materials seized during the searches are being analysed. Officials said further action would depend on the evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.
