The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated a series of searches across various locations in connection with a significant drug trafficking operation recently uncovered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in Punjab.
On Tuesday, ED officials conducted searches at 25 residential and commercial properties linked to the primary accused, Akshay Kumar Chhabra, and his associates in various Punjab cities, including Ludhiana, Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, and Ganganagar (Rajasthan). During these operations, the ED confiscated over ₹4.5 crore in cash, as well as mobile phones, laptops, and documents related to financial transactions and property dealings.
On the same day, 14 NCB officials were honored with the Union Home Minister’s Special Operations Medal-2023 for their pivotal roles in dismantling an international drug syndicate in November 2022. This network extended from Ludhiana in Punjab to foreign origins, including Dubai, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
During the initial operation, the NCB apprehended 19 individuals involved in the drug trafficking ring and uncovered two laboratories used for heroin processing in Ludhiana. Among those detained were two experts in processing Afghan heroin. The NCB also seized approximately 40 kg of heroin along with various related items.
The syndicate had been sourcing raw heroin, smuggled via both sea and land routes, including the route through Mundra in Gujarat, Attari port, and the international border with Pakistan. The NCB identified the “hawala” money transfer channels used by the syndicate, as well as a network of shell companies employed to funnel the illicit proceeds.
Moreover, the agency identified 204 bank accounts associated with the drug operation and subsequently froze 52 of them. The ED is currently conducting investigations into these accounts to trace the money trail associated with the drug trade.
The ED’s findings suggest that a portion of the illicit funds had been transferred to foreign-based suppliers of raw heroin and morphine through “hawala” channels. Additionally, these funds were used by Mr. Chhabra and his accomplices to purchase assets under their names, or they were infused into their affiliated entities by transferring the proceeds of illegal activities in cash to the handlers of these shell companies. It has been alleged that fake sales invoices were raised for these entities, and credits were received from them as part of this money laundering operation.
