The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday, 2 June launched simultaneous search operations at 20 locations across Mumbai and three cities in Gujarat — Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot — as part of a money laundering investigation into an alleged international narcotics syndicate linked to Salim Ismail Dola, a purported associate of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The agency said the action was initiated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

What the Raids Targeted

According to the ED, the searches covered premises connected to suppliers of precursor chemicals, traders dealing in industrial chemicals, and suspected drug traffickers allegedly involved in the manufacture and supply of Mephedrone — commonly known as MD — a synthetic narcotic substance. Hawala operators and individuals allegedly holding benami properties purchased using proceeds from the illicit trade were also among those targeted.

Investigators are examining the role of chemical manufacturing units, middlemen, financial handlers, accountants, chartered accountants, and hawala operators suspected of facilitating the laundering of drug money, the agency said.

Who Is Salim Dola

Salim Ismail Dola was extradited to India from Türkiye in May 2025 and is alleged to be a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim, who is believed to be hiding in Pakistan. Investigators suspect Dola operated a large transnational network involved in drug production, trafficking, and laundering of proceeds generated from the narcotics business. The ED probe is based on several FIRs registered in Mumbai against Dola and others under provisions related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

How the Syndicate Allegedly Operated

According to ED sources, the investigation has so far uncovered a well-organised criminal syndicate that allegedly procured precursor chemicals, manufactured Mephedrone in clandestine facilities, transported narcotics across states, and smuggled them abroad through illegal channels. Evidence pointing to the use of hawala networks for routing and concealing illicit funds has also been found, the agency said.

The proceeds were allegedly invested in movable and immovable properties in India and overseas through associates and benami holders. Investigators said the ongoing searches are focused on tracing the complete financial and operational chain of the syndicate.

Broader Context

This operation comes amid intensified enforcement action against networks allegedly linked to Dawood Ibrahim in recent years. Dawood has been designated a global terrorist by multiple jurisdictions, and Indian agencies have been systematically targeting his alleged financial and logistical infrastructure. The extradition of Dola from Türkiye marks a significant step in that effort, and the current raids represent the financial follow-through — mapping the money trail behind the narcotics supply chain.

As searches continue, the ED is expected to issue formal notices and potentially move for attachment of properties identified as proceeds of crime under the PMLA.