
Panaji, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its efforts in a drug trafficking case linked to money laundering in Goa. On September 19, the ED’s zonal office in Panaji submitted a supplementary prosecution complaint before the Principal District and Sessions Judge of North Goa.
The new complaint targets five individuals: Nihal Vadakkancheri Nazar, Prasobh P.K., Alfin Thomas, Dheeraj Matthews, and Nishant Pratap, designated as accused numbers 8 through 12. They face charges under Sections 44 and 45 of the Money Laundering Act of 2002, which relate to the offense and punishment for money laundering under Section 3 and Section 4, respectively.
This supplementary charge sheet follows the main charge sheet filed on March 16, which detailed the case stemming from events on February 13, 2025. Previously, on March 16, 2026, the ED had filed the main charge sheet against seven other accused individuals, outlining that approximately ₹3.96 crore was generated through organized interstate and cross-border drug trafficking.
Further investigation revealed the involvement of the five additional accused, who are also alleged to have engaged in converting illicit earnings into cryptocurrency. This investigation began based on an FIR lodged by Goa’s Anti-Narcotic Cell, which was filed against Madhupan Suresh Shashikala on October 15, 2024, under the NDPS Act of 1985.
The inquiry uncovered that Madhupan S.S. had systematically trafficked drugs across state lines and borders since 2016, amassing illegal profits of around ₹3.96 crore. A portion of these funds was circulated through banking channels and sent to Dubai, where it was converted into cryptocurrency. This cryptocurrency was subsequently used to purchase drugs on the dark web.
The supplementary charge sheet also outlined the financial gains linked to the accused. Anam Charan Pradhan (accused number 2) was found to possess ₹9,39,250, while Uttam Chand (accused number 3) had ₹17.48 lakh in illicit earnings. Subsequently, on September 16, 2026, assets equivalent to these amounts were temporarily attached.
The ED reiterated its commitment to dismantling the drug trafficking network and disrupting its financial framework. This operation aligns with the broader national objective of a “Drug-Free India Campaign,” aimed at eradicating substance abuse in the country. The agency remains resolute in tracing, identifying, and attaching all assets arising from illegal drug trade and money laundering. Further investigations are ongoing.
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