The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches in West Bengal, Tripura, and Mizoram regarding a cross-border drug trafficking and money laundering network involving over Rs 142 crore. Operations spanned locations along the Mizoram-Myanmar and Tripura-Bangladesh borders, as well as parts of West Bengal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. The searches are linked to a case registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Agartala Zonal Unit.
One of the search locations in Tripura is close to the Bangladesh border, while another in Mizoram is near the Myanmar border, emphasizing the transnational nature of the alleged smuggling network. The case originated from the seizure of methamphetamine tablets and heroin in Tripura, leading to investigations into the supply chain and financial transactions associated with the narcotics consignment. An international syndicate is allegedly sourcing methamphetamine tablets from Myanmar and routing them to recipients in Tripura.
The probe uncovered a network of financial transactions through multiple bank accounts and shell entities used to conceal proceeds from the illicit trade. Proceeds of crime exceeding Rs 142 crore have been identified so far, with the ED examining the money trail and potential involvement of additional individuals and entities. In a separate operation, the ED investigated an alleged Myanmar areca nut smuggling and money laundering racket in Mizoram involving over Rs 970 crore.
