The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has detained two individuals in connection with a transnational narcotics trafficking operation allegedly run by Salim Ismail Dola, a notable associate of the infamous Dawood Ibrahim. The arrests involve Pravin alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanjibhai Moradiya.

They are suspected to have played significant roles in the illicit manufacture and distribution of mephedrone, a synthetic drug. This development comes as part of a broader investigation into an organised drug syndicate, which has raised numerous concerns regarding the scale and scope of narcotics production and distribution across India.

Operations of the Accused

According to findings from the ED’s investigation, Shinde is purportedly involved in the clandestine production of mephedrone, which is commonly referred to as MD. His alleged activities encompass the complete cycle of drug trade, including the handling, possession, and movement of proceeds obtained from sales made in the illegal market.

The investigation suggests that the profits generated from this drug trafficking were likely used to acquire significant assets, including properties registered under the names of associates close to Shinde. Moradiya, on the other hand, is reportedly linked to facilitating the supply chain for precursor chemicals essential for the unlawful manufacturing of mephedrone. The ED claims that the financial transactions related to these chemicals were channelled from Salim Dola through various routes.

It includes the Angadiya channel, a traditional money transfer method in India. The funds connected to these purchases were allegedly processed through multiple bank accounts belonging to third parties and family members of Moradiya. These financial manoeuvres were suggested to be designed to obscure the origins and destinations of the money, which was then disbursed to chemical suppliers and manufacturing entities linked to the drug trade.

Search Operations and Seizures

The enforcement agency previously executed search operations on June 2 and 3, 2026, across 21 locations encompassing the cities of Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar, and Rajkot. These searches were focused on various entities associated with the alleged drug syndicate, including suppliers of precursor chemicals and manufacturers of mephedrone, as well as individuals believed to be operating benami properties accumulated through drug proceeds.

During these operations, the ED reportedly froze or seized cash and assets valued at around Rs 1.33 crore, along with $2,200. The agency’s efforts also resulted in the recovery of documents related to several high-value immovable properties located in India and Dubai. These records allegedly suggest substantial investments linked to proceeds derived from the drug trafficking network.

In light of these findings, the ED confirmed that its investigation remains ongoing, as it seeks to unravel the extensive web of illicit activities associated with the trafficking operation. The agency has indicated its determination to pursue all leads and gather sufficient evidence to further dismantle the organisational structure of this narcotics network.

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