ED Conducts Multi-State Searches in Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Case Linked to Opium Trade.

Headnote:

The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Chandigarh Zonal Office, conducted extensive search operations across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab in connection with an inter-state drug trafficking and money laundering case involving Gopal Lal Anjana, Chhinderpal Singh alias Kewal, Yadwinder Singh, and others. The searches led to the recovery of incriminating documents, property records, and the identification of high-value residential and agricultural assets suspected to be acquired through the proceeds of illicit narcotics trade. The investigation stems from FIRs and charge sheets filed by the Haryana Police under the NDPS Act, revealing a long-running opium trafficking network misusing legally obtained opium licences.

Background:

• The ED initiated its investigation under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, based on an FIR registered by the Haryana Police under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, followed by charge sheets against several accused, including Gopal Lal Anjana, Chhinderpal Singh @ Kewal, Yadwinder Singh, Bhola Singh, and Harjeet Singh.

• On 29 October 2025, search operations were carried out across multiple states—Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Punjab—resulting in the seizure of incriminating materials and identification of assets valued in crores.

• The properties included two high-value residential premises belonging to the prime accused and multiple agricultural land parcels, believed to be purchased using proceeds of crime (POC) from the illicit narcotics trade.

• The investigation revealed that Chhinderpal Singh and Yadwinder Singh procured opium from Gopal Lal Anjana of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, part of which was sold to Bhola Singh, Jasmeet Singh, and Harjeet Singh, while the remaining consignment was seized by Haryana Police.

ED’s Findings and Observations:

• The probe established that Gopal Lal Anjana and his associates had been engaged in illegal opium trade for several years, exploiting a legitimate opium cultivation licence granted to his family.

• Part of the legally grown opium produce was allegedly diverted for illicit sale, generating substantial illegal profits subsequently laundered into immovable assets.

• Chhinderpal Singh and Yadwinder Singh were identified as long-term collaborators in the trafficking network, facilitating procurement, distribution, and sale of opium.

• Statements recorded during the investigation, including those of Jasmeet Singh and Harjeet Singh, corroborated the purchase and consumption of opium from Chhinderpal Singh.

• Records showed that Chhinderpal Singh had a prior conviction under FIR No. 34 dated 02.02.2006, for offences under Sections 17 and 18 of the NDPS Act, and was also charge-sheeted in FIR No. 68 dated 01.02.2022 for similar offences under Section 17.

• The identified assets—residential houses and agricultural land parcels—are suspected to be part of the money-laundering chain, representing proceeds from illegal narcotic trade.

Legal Provisions Discussed:

• Sections 3 & 4, Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) – Offence and punishment for money laundering.

• Section 5, PMLA – Provisional attachment of proceeds of crime.

• Sections 17 & 18, Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) – Punishment for offences relating to opium cultivation, manufacture, and trade.

• Section 19, PMLA – Powers of arrest in money laundering cases.

Current Status:

• The search operations concluded on 29 October 2025, resulting in seizure of documents, identification of properties, and exposure of a cross-state nexus between licensed cultivators and illegal traffickers.

• Further investigation is ongoing to trace additional proceeds of crime, verify the misuse of opium licences, and identify beneficiaries of the laundering network.

Citation: Press Release, Directorate of Enforcement, Chandigarh Zonal Office

Case: Directorate of Enforcement (ED) vs. Gopal Lal Anjana, Chhinderpal Singh @ Kewal, Yadwinder Singh & Ors.

Date of Press Release: 31 October 2025

Law Involved: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA); Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act)

Date of Search Operations: 29 October 2025