ED Conducts Major Narcotics-Linked Searches Across Four Southern States

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched a major search operation in connection with narcotics-linked cases across South India. Simultaneous searches are being conducted at around 30 premises in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. The action covers eight separate narcotics-related cases being investigated under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and is being carried out as part of the government’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat” mandate.

The PMLA investigation was initiated on the basis of a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai Zonal Unit, before the NDPS Court. The complaint relates to a case involving the alleged illegal trade of methamphetamine hydrochloride, in which an individual identified as M. Alex was arrested. The ongoing searches are aimed at tracing the financial aspects and possible money-laundering links associated with the narcotics-related cases.