The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday launched a series of search operations across Mumbai as part of a money laundering investigation tied to an alleged drug trafficking network, officials said.
The probe focuses on Faisal Javed Shaikh and Alfiya Faisal Shaikh, believed to be central figures in a well-established narcotics syndicate. The ED is conducting searches at eight different locations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to trace the sale proceeds of narcotics.
Investigations reveal that Faisal Shaikh was sourcing MD (mephedrone or ‘meow meow’) via Salim Dola, a known drug kingpin currently wanted by Indian law enforcement for trafficking and financing illegal drug networks.
“The network is deeply rooted and financially driven. ED is tracking the laundering of drug money through various channels,” said an official familiar with the probe.
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has placed a reward on information leading to Salim Dola’s arrest, as he continues to evade capture.
Earlier this year, in May, NCB’s Mumbai unit had placed Faisal Shaikh under preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT-NDPS) Act. He was initially lodged at Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai, and later transferred to Puzhal Central Prison in Chennai.
The ED is now examining the financial trail to uncover the wider laundering web and potential international drug trade links.
