The Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai carried out coordinated search operations on Wednesday at nine locations across Mumbai to dismantle a drug trafficking and money laundering network reportedly linked to the notorious underworld figure Dawood Ibrahim.

The operation targeted the proceeds of drug sales allegedly handled by Faisal Javed Shaikh and Alfiya Faisal Shaikh, who are believed to have procured MD drugs from Salim Dola, a key drug kingpin with known connections to Dawood Ibrahim’s gang.

The raids resulted in the seizure of around Rs 42 lakh in cash, three second-hand luxury vehicles including two BMWs, along with incriminating documents such as property records and digital devices. One bank locker and several bank accounts suspected of holding proceeds of crime were also frozen.

The ED’s investigation follows a case filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai Zonal Unit, against multiple accused, including Faisal Shaikh, Alfiya Shaikh, Ashik Varis Ali, Nasir Khan, and others, for running a drug syndicate in Maharashtra. The NCB identified Faisal Shaikh as a habitual offender who procured drugs from Salim Dola, wanted for narcotics trafficking and believed to be a close associate of Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel.

Even after being granted bail in the NCB case, Faisal Shaikh remained under preventive detention under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (PIT-NDPS).

ED’s probe revealed that Faisal and Alfiya Shaikh managed an organized drug distribution network and used shell companies and firms with suspicious transactions, including paper deals exceeding Rs 100 crore and foreign remittances, to launder proceeds of crime. The agency is investigating the flow of illicit funds both within India and through possible routes abroad, including hawala networks and trade-based mis-invoicing.

Seized cash, vehicles, bank accounts, property documents, and digital evidence are being examined in connection with money laundering charges. Further investigations are ongoing.

– Ends

Tune In