Indore, July 17 (IANS) The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Indore Sub-Zonal Office, has dealt a major blow to a multi-state drug trafficking network by conducting simultaneous search operations at multiple locations in Indore and Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.
The action was taken under the Union Government’s ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’ initiative and relates to the alleged trafficking of 70 kilograms of MDMA (Mephedrone) drugs, valued at approximately Rs 70 crore.
The ED initiated the investigation based on an FIR registered by the crime branch, Indore, against several accused persons for offences under multiple provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, the agency said.
During the probe, one of the principal accused became untraceable at his known addresses, prompting the agency to launch an extensive intelligence-led manhunt.
Using advanced analytical tools and sustained surveillance, ED officials tracked the movements of the accused across Hyderabad, Bikaner, and Indore over several days.
The accused was finally located at a previously unknown address in Indore, leading to the execution of search proceedings at multiple sites.
The searches yielded crucial incriminating documents, digital evidence, and important details regarding the assets and financial transactions of the accused persons, the agency said.
Several documents and electronic devices were seized and will undergo forensic examination and detailed financial analysis.
This will help trace the proceeds of crime, uncover the money trail, and determine the full extent of money laundering linked to the drug trafficking racket.
During the operation, authorities also identified a bank locker registered in the name of a relative of one of the accused. A separate search and seizure process for the locker is currently underway.
The evidence collected is expected to provide significant leads about the broader financial network, hidden assets, and other individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
The ED is now examining the role of all persons connected to the case and scrutinising related financial transactions.
Officials believe the operation has exposed a well-organised interstate syndicate involved in large-scale drug smuggling and subsequent laundering of illicit funds.
This crackdown underscores the Enforcement Directorate’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and their financial ecosystems.
Further investigation into the case is progressing actively.
–IANS
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