30 October,2026 08:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
During the searches, the agency seized several documents and digital devices, including smartphones, laptops and internal storage media. Representational Pic
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted searches at 11 premises across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Surat and Bhavnagar in connection with an alleged international narcotics syndicate headed by Navin Chichkar, Dhiraj Chichkar and their associates. The agency is probing the alleged laundering of proceeds generated through drug trafficking and their suspected routing into the formal financial system.
The searches were carried out by the ED's Mumbai Zonal Office-I on Wednesday under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The operation aimed to trace the alleged drug trafficking network, identify proceeds of crime and investigate how money generated through the illegal trade was allegedly laundered.
According to an ED press release issued on Friday, the investigation was initiated based on a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai, under various provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The NCB complaint followed the seizure of substantial quantities of high-grade hydroponic cannabis, cocaine and unaccounted cash in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The ED alleged that Navin Chichkar, Dhiraj Chichkar and their associates were part of an established international network involved in the sale of cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD and cannabis edibles, with the drugs largely sourced from outside India.
During the searches, the agency seized several documents and digital devices, including smartphones, laptops and internal storage media. Commercial books of accounts, financial ledgers and investment records were also seized.
The ED said the searches revealed that proceeds generated from the sale of narcotic drugs were allegedly routed through various channels. Cash was converted into foreign currencies, including US dollars and Thai baht, and subsequently made available to the accused, the agency alleged.
The agency further alleged that some of the proceeds of crime were invested in legitimate businesses to project the money as untainted income.
Searches were also conducted at premises linked to certain cryptocurrency traders. According to the ED, these searches revealed details of cryptocurrency wallets and assets prima facie suspected to be linked to the proceeds of crime.
The agency said some individuals suspected of operating multiple cryptocurrency trading accounts were based outside India. The identified wallet and asset details are being examined to trace linked accounts, transaction histories and potential proceeds of crime.
Further investigation in the case is underway, the ED said.
