DrugsRaid – ED Expands Mundra Drug Case Probe With Fresh Searches in Delhi
DrugsRaid – The Enforcement Directorate has intensified its investigation into the 2021 Mundra port drug seizure by conducting fresh searches in Delhi as officials examine the alleged financial network linked to the case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out coordinated searches at five locations across Delhi on Wednesday as part of its ongoing money laundering investigation connected to the massive 2021 Mundra port drug seizure. Officials said the operation was launched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) following fresh intelligence suggesting that proceeds generated through narcotics trafficking may have been invested in commercial establishments, including nightlife businesses in the national capital.
Fresh Searches Based on New Financial Inputs
According to officials, the searches covered properties associated with Delhi-based businessman Harpreet Singh Talwar, also known as Kabir Talwar, along with premises linked to Shamshudeen and several other individuals. Investigators believe the latest action is based on newly gathered financial evidence that could help trace the movement and use of funds allegedly generated through the illegal drug trade.
Harpreet Singh Talwar, who is known for operating several popular nightclubs in Delhi, had previously been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in August 2022 in connection with the same case. He was recently released from custody after the Gujarat High Court granted him bail.
Investigation Focuses on Alleged Money Trail
The ED had registered its money laundering case soon after the record drug seizure in 2021. Officials are now examining whether profits from the alleged narcotics network were routed into legitimate businesses as part of an effort to conceal their origin.
During the searches, investigators collected financial records, banking documents, digital devices, and property-related papers. These materials are expected to help authorities determine whether there is any financial connection between the nightclub business and the alleged laundering of drug proceeds.
One of the Largest Drug Seizures in the World
The investigation originates from the seizure of 2,988.21 kilograms of heroin by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Gujarat’s Mundra port in September 2021. The narcotics, believed to be of Afghan origin, were reportedly concealed inside consignments declared as semi-processed talc stones that arrived in India through Iran.
Authorities had estimated the value of the seized heroin at around Rs 21,000 crore in the international illegal drug market, making it one of the largest narcotics seizures recorded globally. The discovery triggered extensive investigations involving multiple central agencies.
Multi-Agency Probe Continues
The National Investigation Agency, which independently investigated the case, stated in its chargesheet that money generated through the alleged drug trafficking network was intended to support activities linked to the Pakistan-based banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. The agency also described the shipment as an attempt to move a large narcotics consignment into India under the cover of legitimate imports.
The case has since remained under the scrutiny of several enforcement agencies, including the DRI, ED and NIA. Investigators have also examined the role of shell companies, intermediaries and business entities operating across different states. A company based in Vijayawada and its owner were later identified among those named in the NIA’s chargesheet.
Financial Evidence Under Detailed Examination
Officials said the Enforcement Directorate is continuing to reconstruct the financial trail associated with the alleged drug network. Investigators are analysing transactions, ownership records and electronic data recovered during the searches to establish whether illegal funds were channelled through commercial investments. The findings from the latest raids are expected to play a significant role in determining the next phase of the investigation.