ED raids 11 premises in Mumbai, Surat over international drug trafficking ring
Synopsis
The ED has raided 11 premises across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Surat and Bhavnagar, targeting an international narcotics syndicate allegedly run by Navin Chichkar and associates. What makes this probe stand out: drug proceeds were allegedly laundered through foreign currencies and crypto wallets operated from outside India — pointing to a sophisticated cross-border financial trail that investigators are now working to unravel.
Key Takeaways
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) searched 11 premises in Mumbai , Navi Mumbai , Surat , and Bhavnagar on 29 October 2025 .
Searches targeted an international narcotics syndicate allegedly led by Navin Chichkar and Dhiraj Chichkar .
The investigation was triggered by an NCB complaint following seizures of hydroponic cannabis , cocaine , and unaccounted cash in Mumbai.
Drug proceeds were allegedly converted into US dollars and Thai Baht and invested in legitimate businesses to disguise their origin.
Crypto wallets and digital assets prima facie linked to proceeds of crime were identified; the accused allegedly operated crypto accounts from outside India.
Digital devices, financial ledgers, and investment records were seized; further action under PMLA is expected.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations across 11 premises in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Surat, and Bhavnagar on Wednesday, 29 October 2025, seizing incriminating material, digital devices, and financial records linked to a well-established international narcotics syndicate. The searches, carried out under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, targeted an alleged drug trafficking network led by Navin Chichkar, Dhiraj Chichkar, and their associates.
Background and Trigger
The ED's Mumbai Zonal Office-L launched the probe on the basis of a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 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 (Ganja), cocaine, and unaccounted cash in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. According to officials, Navin Chichkar and others were allegedly at the helm of an international network involved in the sale of cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD, and cannabis edibles — largely sourced from outside India.
What Was Seized
During the searches, investigators recovered a range of high-value digital devices, including high-end smartphones, laptops, and internal storage media. In addition, commercial books of accounts, financial ledgers, and investment records were seized. Critically, the searches reportedly uncovered details of crypto wallets and digital assets that are prima facie linked to proceeds of crime. According to the ED, the suspected persons were operating a number of crypto trading accounts from outside India — details that are now being examined to trace linked accounts and transaction histories.
Money Laundering Trail
A central focus of the investigation is the alleged conversion and layering of drug sale proceeds. According to the ED's statement, cash generated from narcotics sales was converted into foreign currencies, including US dollars and Thai Baht, which were subsequently made available to the accused. Proceeds of crime were also reportedly invested in certain legitimate businesses so as to project the funds as untainted income — a classic layering technique used to integrate illicit money into the formal financial system. This comes amid a broader national push by the ED to dismantle the financial infrastructure of drug networks, not just prosecute street-level trafficking.
Significance of the Operation
The multi-city nature of the raids — spanning two states, Maharashtra and Gujarat — underscores the geographic spread of the alleged syndicate. The involvement of cryptocurrency channels adds a layer of complexity, reflecting a growing trend among organised crime networks to use digital assets for value transfer across borders. The ED has said that identified crypto details are being examined to secure proceeds of crime, suggesting further action may follow. Investigators are expected to file a formal prosecution complaint before the designated PMLA court as the probe advances.
Point of View
With crypto accounts operated from abroad, suggesting the Chichkar network had moved well beyond cash-and-carry hawala into more sophisticated value-transfer channels. The NCB-to-ED handoff also reflects a deliberate enforcement strategy: prosecute the drugs, then go after the money. Whether the crypto trail leads to recoverable assets will be the real test of this operation's impact.
NationPress
30 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the ED raid premises in Mumbai, Surat and Bhavnagar?
The ED conducted the raids under the PMLA to trace the money laundering trail of an international narcotics syndicate allegedly led by Navin Chichkar and Dhiraj Chichkar. The investigation was initiated after the NCB seized hydroponic cannabis, cocaine, and unaccounted cash in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
What was found during the ED searches?
Investigators seized high-end smartphones, laptops, internal storage media, financial ledgers, commercial books of accounts, and investment records. They also identified crypto wallets and digital assets prima facie linked to proceeds of crime.
How were drug proceeds allegedly laundered?
According to the ED, cash from drug sales was converted into foreign currencies including US dollars and Thai Baht and made available to the accused. Proceeds were also allegedly invested in legitimate businesses to project the funds as untainted income.
What role did cryptocurrency play in this case?
The ED found details of crypto wallets and trading accounts allegedly linked to proceeds of crime. The accused reportedly operated multiple crypto trading accounts from outside India, and investigators are now examining transaction histories to trace and secure these assets.
What happens next in the ED investigation?
The ED is examining the seized digital devices and financial records, and is working to trace linked crypto accounts and transaction histories. A formal prosecution complaint before the designated PMLA court is expected as the probe progresses.
