Ludhiana-based drug lord Akshay Chhabra has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) for further investigation into his involvement in a major cross-border drug smuggling racket. Chhabra, who was previously incarcerated in Assam’s Dibrugarh jail, was taken into ED custody till April 7 as part of an investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Chhabra had been arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in November 2022 along with two Afghan nationals for allegedly smuggling 2,000 kg of heroin into Punjab. The heroin was brought in collaboration with Dubai-based drug smuggler Haji Yusuf. Chhabra’s connections to the international drug trade were further exposed when he was detained alongside Jaspal Singh, alias Goldy, and moved to Dibrugarh jail under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act.
Following the NCB’s investigation, the ED initiated a comprehensive probe into Chhabra’s operations in March 2023. The investigation revealed that Chhabra was involved in laundering the proceeds from the drug trade, investing the illicit money in real estate and liquor businesses. ED officials conducted multiple raids in various locations, including properties owned by Chhabra, his associates, and other prominent individuals in Punjab and Rajasthan.
In January 2023, the ED had questioned AAP’s Mohali MLA, Kulwant Singh, regarding alleged investments by Chhabra in his real estate business. This was followed by a significant raid in November 2023, where the ED seized unaccounted cash worth Rs4.5 crore and incriminating evidence across 25 locations. Digital devices, financial documents, and details of property transactions were also recovered during the raid.
Chhabra, along with his Afghan accomplices, used to import raw heroin and morphine concealed in pomegranate juice and tomato puree consignments from Afghanistan. These consignments were routed through two fake shell companies—M/s Verma International and M/s Adishankar Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. Chhabra then distributed processed heroin to various drug dealers through his network of accomplices.
The ED investigation revealed that the proceeds from the drug trade were utilized by Chhabra to acquire movable and immovable properties in his name and that of his associates. In addition to this, Chhabra invested large sums into a liquor business run by M/s A. S. & Company, which served as another channel to launder the illicit gains.
The ED’s probe also uncovered the involvement of Afghan nationals and associates like Gurmail Singh, alias Garry, and Harpreet Singh. Gurmail Singh, who has already testified under Section 50 of the PMLA, has identified Chhabra as the kingpin of the drug racket. According to the ED, Chhabra’s operations were linked to around Rs150 to Rs180 crores in cash transactions associated with the heroin trade.
Chhabra, who started his career working in a chemist shop in Ludhiana, quickly rose to prominence as a major drug kingpin. His connections spanned several countries, including Dubai-based Haji Yusuf. The NCB investigation revealed that Chhabra sourced the raw heroin through multiple routes, including Jammu Kashmir, Delhi, and Mundra Port in Gujarat. He then processed the heroin at two clandestine laboratories in Ludhiana.
In addition to his illicit drug dealings, Chhabra owned 49 high-end properties across Punjab, which were purchased using the proceeds from his illegal activities. Between 2020 and 2022, Chhabra is said to have delivered around 2,000 kg of heroin, earning an estimated Rs60 crore from these illegal operations.
As the ED’s investigation continues, authorities are working to dismantle the broader network that enabled Chhabra’s operations and to seize more assets linked to the money laundering scheme.
A visual depicting an ED officer holding confiscated documents and cash, with a background of drug-related items (e.g., heroin packages) and a map showing cross-border smuggling routes.
