Mumbai: The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday conducted searches at nearly 20 locations across Maharashtra and Gujarat in a money laundering investigation linked to alleged international drug trafficker Mohammad Salim Dola. The searches are focused on tracing proceeds allegedly generated through narcotics trafficking and identifying financial networks suspected of moving illicit funds.
Raids Target Drug and Financial Network
According to officials, the searches were carried out at multiple premises in Mumbai, Surat, Rajkot and Ankleshwar. The action follows a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, based on several narcotics-related criminal cases against Dola and his associates.
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Investigators said the operation targeted individuals and entities allegedly connected to the manufacture, supply, financing and distribution of synthetic narcotics, particularly mephedrone, commonly known as MD.
Premises linked to chemical suppliers, precursor substance traders, intermediaries, suspected hawala operators and persons connected to alleged benami properties were searched during the operation.
Dola’s Network Under Scrutiny
The ED suspects that proceeds from drug trafficking may have been routed through complex financial channels to conceal their origin. Investigators are examining transactions, investments, property holdings and business links that may be connected to the alleged syndicate.
Dola was brought to India earlier this year after being detained in Türkiye on the basis of an Interpol Red Notice issued at India’s request. He was deported to India in April 2026 and later taken into custody in connection with ongoing narcotics investigations.
According to investigating agencies, Dola is alleged to have built a drug trafficking network operating across the Middle East, Africa and Europe over the past two decades. His name has surfaced in cases involving heroin, charas, mephedrone, methamphetamine and other prohibited substances.
Financial Trail and Benami Assets Examined
Officials said the current investigation is aimed at uncovering the financial infrastructure that allegedly supported the drug network. Authorities are scrutinising bank records, digital transactions, business dealings and property acquisitions linked to individuals associated with the syndicate.
Investigators are also examining allegations that Dola operated under multiple identities while living abroad. Agencies suspect he may have attempted to establish a long-term overseas base through property acquisitions and financial investments.
Law enforcement officials believe organised drug trafficking networks increasingly use hawala channels, shell entities, layered transactions and benami investments to move and conceal illicit proceeds.
A researcher at Future Crime Research Foundation said transnational drug syndicates often rely on complex financial structures and cross-border transaction networks to disguise illegal proceeds. The researcher said effective enforcement requires financial intelligence, technological analysis and international cooperation.
The ED is examining documents, digital evidence, banking records and financial data seized during the searches. Officials said the material is expected to help identify additional individuals and trace assets allegedly linked to the narcotics network.
