The Enforcement Directorate has searched 11 locations across Mumbai and Gujarat in a money laundering investigation linked to jailed Navin Chichkar. The agency is examining suspected proceeds from the alleged sale of cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD and cannabis-infused products. Investigators are also tracing suspected financial transfers through hawala networks and cryptocurrency, including USDT and Thai baht transactions. The probe follows investigations by the Narcotics Control Bureau and Navi Mumbai Police into suspected drug trafficking activities.

ED Raids 11 Locations in Mumbai and Gujarat in Navin Chichkar Drug Money Laundering Case

The Enforcement Directorate conducted raids at several locations in Mumbai and Gujarat in connection with a probe into suspected drug proceeds allegedly sent abroad through hawala and cryptocurrency channels.

The ED raids in the drug money laundering case linked to jailed drug smuggler Navin Chichkar covered 11 premises spread across Mumbai and Gujarat on Wednesday. The Enforcement Directorate is investigating suspected proceeds from the sale of illegal narcotics and alleged financial transactions through cryptocurrency and hawala networks.

The investigation is looking at money allegedly obtained from the sale of cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD and cannabis-infused edibles. Investigators are examining whether Chichkar transferred these proceeds abroad using informal financial channels and digital assets.

The agency is also examining Chichkar's financial dealings and the possible involvement of associates, the report says. The searches are part of a larger investigation into suspected money laundering in connection with drug trafficking activity.

ED Raids in Drug Money Laundering Case Follow NCB Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate probe is based on the cases registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau and the Anti-Narcotics Cell of the Navi Mumbai Police. The agencies have been investigating suspected drug trafficking activities related to the case.

The probe came to the fore in January 2025 when the Narcotics Control Bureau seized a parcel meant for Australia at Mumbai airport. Officials said they found about 200 grams of cocaine stuffed inside a projector.

The cocaine is thought to have come from South America, according to the reported investigation details. The discovery triggered further investigations, which eventually led investigators to Navin Chichkar and his alleged network.

The interception was a major breakthrough in the investigation and led authorities to probe the suspected movement of narcotics and the financial arrangements supporting the operation.

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In May 2025, Navin Chichkar was deported from Malaysia and arrested in relation to the case. His brother Dheeraj was also arrested for returning to India from Malaysia.

The arrests added another layer to the investigation, with agencies probing alleged links between people suspected of involvement in the drug trafficking network.

The latest searches by the Enforcement Directorate are aimed at tracing suspected proceeds and identifying financial channels used to move money outside India. The agency is also looking at crypto investments that reportedly were uncovered during the investigation.

The reported findings said suspected drug proceeds were allegedly routed through hawala operators who made payments to Chichkar. The transactions were reportedly made in either USDT or Thai baht.

USDT is a stablecoin pegged to the United States dollar to maintain its value. Its use in the alleged deals is now one of the financial aspects being examined by investigators.

Cryptocurrency and Hawala Transactions Under Scrutiny

The investigation highlights the difficulties governments face in trying to track suspected proceeds of international drug trafficking. Cryptocurrency transactions and informal transfer networks can make it hard to track the origin and movement of funds.

The 11 searches in Mumbai and Gujarat are expected to help investigators sift through financial records, locate potential associates, and track suspected assets linked to the case.

Further developments will depend on evidence collected during the searches and subsequent financial investigations. Sprouts News will keep track of official updates as authorities probe into the alleged money laundering network.