ED raids sensitive border areas in Rs 142 crore cross-border drug money laundering case

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday launched coordinated searches across sensitive border regions stretching from the Mizoram-Myanmar frontier to the Tripura-Bangladesh border and parts of West Bengal, intensifying its probe into an alleged transnational narcotics-linked money laundering network with suspected proceeds exceeding Rs 142 crore.

Officials said multiple teams from the ED’s Aizawl sub-zonal office carried out simultaneous operations at four locations under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The searches began early in the day and were continuing at premises linked to individuals suspected of involvement in the financial trail of the case.

Advertisement

The investigation stems from a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) case registered after the seizure of 49.101 kilograms of methamphetamine and 40 grams of heroin in Tripura on August 21, 2025. Authorities noted that the seizure point was located barely 200 metres from the Bangladesh border, highlighting the strategic significance of the route allegedly used by traffickers.

Cross-border network under scanner

According to officials, the probe has uncovered indications of a well-organised syndicate operating across international borders. The alleged network is suspected of sourcing methamphetamine from Myanmar and routing consignments through the Champhai and Zokhawthar sectors of Mizoram before moving them towards receivers in Tripura and other destinations.

The financial investigation has focused on tracking the movement of funds generated through the narcotics trade. Authorities probing if the money was routed through multiple bank accounts and layered through a network of entities to conceal its origin.

Rs 142 crore trail detected

Officials said the ED has so far identified proceeds of crime amounting to more than Rs 142 crore during the course of the investigation.

The searches are aimed at gathering evidence related to financial transactions, assets, and records that could help establish the money trail linked to the alleged drug trafficking operation.

The latest action signals a widening crackdown on narcotics-financed networks operating along India’s eastern borders, where agencies have repeatedly flagged concerns over the use of international smuggling corridors for both drug movement and laundering of illicit proceeds.