Mumbai, June 2: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a significant search operation, conducting raids at 20 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot. This action is part of an investigation into an international drug trafficking syndicate led by Salim Ismail Dola and his associates, under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
Last month, the government extradited Salim Dola from Turkey. He is known to be a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim and operates a global drug network.
The raids are targeting properties linked to suppliers of chemical substances, intermediaries involved in the chemical trade, and traffickers engaged in the production and distribution of synthetic drugs like mephedrone (MD). The operation also focuses on hawala operators and individuals linked to organized drug trafficking, aiming to uncover assets acquired through illicit funds.
The PMLA investigation was initiated based on multiple FIRs filed against Salim Dola and others for crimes related to the illegal trafficking of drugs and psychotropic substances in Mumbai.
Preliminary findings have revealed the existence of a highly organized international criminal network involved in the procurement of chemicals, clandestine production of mephedrone, interstate transportation and distribution of drugs, international drug trafficking, and the collection and concealment of crime proceeds through hawala channels. This network also engages in acquiring movable and immovable properties under the names of associates and other individuals.
The ongoing searches are scrutinizing a wide range of entities, including chemical factories, financial facilitators, accountants, chartered accountants, and hawala operators. The investigation aims to trace the entire chain of money laundering activities, including the use of crime proceeds to purchase properties in India under fictitious names and invest in assets abroad.
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