ED Conducts Searches at 11 Locations Across Maharashtra and Gujarat in International Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Probe
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Mumbai, has carried out extensive search operations at 11 locations across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Surat and Bhavnagar in connection with an alleged international narcotics trafficking syndicate led by Navin and Dhiraj Chichkar. The searches, conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, on October 28, 2026, were aimed at uncovering the financial network behind the suspected drug trade, tracing proceeds generated through illegal activities and identifying how large amounts of cash were allegedly channelled into the formal financial system. During the operation, investigators seized several electronic devices, financial documents, business records and investment-related materials.
Mumbai : The Enforcement Directorate’s Mumbai office has conducted coordinated search operations at 11 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat as part of its ongoing investigation into an alleged international narcotics trafficking syndicate reportedly led by Navin and Dhiraj Chichkar.
The searches were carried out on October 28, 2026, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operation covered multiple locations in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Surat and Bhavnagar, with investigators focusing on uncovering the financial activities and alleged money-laundering arrangements connected to the suspected drug trafficking network.
According to the agency, the operation was aimed at dismantling the alleged narcotics network, identifying the proceeds generated through illegal drug-related activities and tracing the movement of funds into the legitimate financial system.
Investigators are examining how substantial cash revenues allegedly generated through drug trafficking were handled, transferred and potentially converted into apparently legitimate financial assets. The ED is also attempting to establish the financial connections between the individuals suspected of operating the syndicate and other entities or persons who may have assisted in managing the proceeds.
ED Targets Financial Network Behind Alleged Drug Syndicate
A major focus of the searches was to uncover the alleged financial infrastructure supporting the international narcotics operation. Investigators are looking into the methods reportedly used to collect, transfer, conceal and invest money generated through illegal drug trafficking.
The agency is also examining the possible use of business transactions, financial arrangements and investment channels to introduce suspected proceeds of crime into the formal economy.
By searching multiple locations across two states, the ED aims to gather evidence that could help establish the wider network of individuals, financial intermediaries and business connections allegedly associated with the syndicate.
Electronic Devices and Financial Records Seized
During the search operations, ED officials recovered and seized several items considered relevant to the ongoing investigation.
The seized material reportedly includes high-end smartphones, laptops and internal storage devices that may contain electronic communications, financial information and other records connected to the suspected activities.
Apart from digital equipment, investigators also seized commercial books of accounts, financial ledgers and investment-related documents. These records are expected to assist the agency in examining financial transactions, identifying suspicious money transfers and reconstructing the alleged movement of proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking.
The digital devices and documents will be examined to identify possible financial links, communication networks and investment arrangements that could provide further evidence in the case.
Investigation to Trace Proceeds of Crime Continues
The Enforcement Directorate is continuing its investigation to establish the complete financial trail of the alleged international narcotics syndicate. The agency is particularly focused on determining the scale of the suspected proceeds of crime and identifying the methods allegedly used to disguise their origins.
The investigation also aims to uncover whether additional individuals or entities were involved in facilitating financial transactions or helping channel suspected drug proceeds into legitimate business and investment activities.
The latest searches form part of the ED’s broader efforts to investigate the financial infrastructure supporting organised narcotics trafficking and prevent proceeds generated through illegal activities from entering the formal economy.
Further examination of the seized electronic devices, accounting records and investment documents is expected to provide investigators with additional leads as the probe progresses.
News Source: Enforcement Directorate (ED) – Official Press Release
