The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Mumbai): The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai, has taken decisive action against a sophisticated drug trafficking and money laundering operation. On 1st March 2024, the agency provisionally attached assets valued at Rs. 5.37 Crore, under the stringent Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. This action targets the assets of Ali Asgar Shirazi among others, marking a significant blow to the network’s financial infrastructure.
The attached assets encompass seven immovable properties, including flats, a shop, and lands worth approximately Rs. 5 Crore, associated with Ali Asgar Shirazi, Mehreen Shirazi, Abdul Samad, Manoj Patel, and Bhavesh Shah. Additionally, movable properties amounting to Rs. 36.81 Lakh, comprising fixed deposits and bank account balances, belonging to Ramlakhan Patel, Shobha Patel, and M/s Hustlers Hospitality Private Limited, have also been attached.
This enforcement action stems from an investigation initiated following an FIR lodged by the Jogeshwari Police Station in Mumbai. The FIR, filed under various sections of the NDPS Act, 1985, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, accused Ali Asgar Shirazi and others of operating a drug syndicate.
The ED’s probe unearthed a complex network involving telecommunication companies running call centres and websites, logistics companies, consultancy firms, and dummy pharmaceutical companies. This network was engaged in the illegal export of opioids from India to foreign countries, primarily the USA and the UK, and the laundering of the sale proceeds back into India through intricate channels. It was discovered that this syndicate also established companies in the USA to operate payment gateways, facilitating the transfer of illicit drug sales proceeds from the USA to India.
Investigations revealed significant cash deposits in accounts linked to Shirazi and associated individuals/entities, identified as proceeds from the illegal drug trade, with the total proceeds of crime estimated at approximately Rs 44.50 Crore.
Prior actions by the ED include search operations that resulted in the seizure and freezing of bank accounts, fixed deposits, and gold/jewellery worth around Rs 2.9 Crore. Ali Asgar Shirazi, identified as the main accused, was arrested on 5th January 2024 and is currently under judicial custody. The ED’s investigation into this extensive drug trafficking and money laundering operation continues, aiming to dismantle the network completely.
