ED Conducts Raids in Delhi Linked to Major Drug Seizure Investigation
The Enforcement Directorate has launched a series of raids in Delhi as part of an investigation into money laundering linked to a significant drug seizure at Mundra Port. This operation targets individuals associated with a major drug trafficking network, raising concerns about the use of illicit funds in the hospitality sector. The investigation follows previous arrests made by the National Investigation Agency, highlighting the ongoing efforts to dismantle international drug smuggling operations. As authorities delve deeper into the case, they aim to uncover the full extent of the network and its financial implications.
Jun 24, 2026, 15:58 IST
Enforcement Directorate's Actions in Delhi
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) executed searches at five locations in Delhi on Wednesday. This operation is part of a money laundering investigation connected to the seizure of approximately 3,000 kilograms of drugs at Mundra Port. The raids are being conducted under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and target locations associated with Harpreet Singh Talwar, Shamsuddin, and their associates. Officials indicated that the agency is probing the alleged laundering of profits generated from drug trafficking. Investigators noted, "Preliminary findings suggest that a portion of the earnings from the drugs was invested in nightclubs in the capital, raising concerns about the use of illicit funds in the hospitality sector." The ED's headquarters unit initiated the searches on Tuesday, continuing efforts to trace financial transactions and identify further links in the case.
Background on Arrests Related to Drug Trafficking
In August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Harpreet Singh Talwar, also known as Kabir Talwar, in connection with the same case involving the seizure of 2,988 kilograms of heroin at Mundra Port on September 13, 2021. He was apprehended alongside Prince Sharma, also from Delhi. This arrest followed simultaneous searches at 20 locations across several states (Delhi-14, Gujarat-2, Punjab-1, and West Bengal-3) related to case RC (26/2021/NIA/DLI). They were implicated in heroin trafficking through maritime routes from Afghanistan. Talwar was recently released on bail.
NIA's Ongoing Investigation into Drug Trafficking Network
According to the NIA's investigation, both Talwar and Sharma are part of an international drug trafficking network involved in smuggling large quantities of heroin from Afghanistan into India. The heroin was concealed within import consignments of semi-processed talc, bituminous coal, and other goods. The NIA reported that on September 13, 2021, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted and seized a similar consignment containing nearly 3,000 kilograms of heroin at Mundra Port. The agency stated that the accused were involved in importing drugs through fake and shell companies and assisted Afghan nationals residing in Delhi in distributing heroin across various states, including Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. The NIA's investigation is ongoing to uncover the complete supply chain and network involved in money laundering, drug distribution, and other participants in this international drug trafficking operation.