ED Conducts Search Operations in Mumbai to Trace Drug Sale Proceeds of Faisal Javed Shaikh Network.

Headnote:

Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, conducted searches at nine premises on 08/10/2025 under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) to trace proceeds from drug trafficking by Faisal Javed Shaikh and Alfiya Faisal Shaikh. Assets seized included cash of Rs. 42 lakhs, three luxury vehicles, digital devices, property documents, one bank locker, and multiple bank accounts. ED investigation revealed a well-organized network involved in the sale of MD drugs sourced from notorious drug kingpin Salim Dola. Searches also targeted shell companies and firms involved in foreign remittances to trace layering and movement of illicit funds both within and outside India. Investigation is ongoing to establish forward and backward financial linkages of the Proceeds of Crime (POC).

Background:

ED initiated investigation under PMLA based on a case registered by the NCB against Faisal Javed Shaikh and associates for operating a drug syndicate in Mumbai. Faisal Shaikh purchased MD drugs from Salim Dola and was a habitual offender previously kept in Preventive Detention under PIT-NDPS. ED searches traced cash, vehicles, digital devices, documents, bank accounts, and a locker suspected to be linked to the Proceeds of Crime. Investigations extended to shell companies and firms involved in foreign remittances to ascertain the role of these entities in layering illicit funds and sending POC abroad via hawala, trade mis-invoicing, or shell company routes.

Court Opinion / Orders:

The ED conducted searches to trace forward linkage (movement of proceeds) and backward linkage (sources, beneficiaries, and conduits). Seized/frozen assets are under examination to establish money laundering offences. Further investigation is ongoing; no arrests mentioned in the press release.

Outcome:

1. Cash of Rs. 42 lakhs, three luxury vehicles (including 2 BMWs), bank accounts, one locker, property documents, and digital devices seized/frozen.
2. Tracing of Proceeds of Crime both domestically and internationally underway.
3. Investigation continues to establish the financial network and involvement of shell companies/firms.

Legal Provision Concerned:

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA)

Sections 3 & 4: Offences relating to laundering of proceeds of crime.

Sections 5 & 17: Attachment, seizure, and investigation powers.

Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act)

Relevant provisions for trafficking, possession, and funding of illegal drug networks.

Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1973

Sections 41 & 102: Search, seizure, and custodial powers of investigating agencies.

Case Details:

Case No.: NCB Case Registered by Narcotics Control Bureau (Mumbai Zonal Unit)

Court/Authority: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office

Date of Search: 08/10/2025

Date of Press Release: 10/10/2025

Accused: Faisal Javed Shaikh, Alfiya Faisal Shaikh, Ashik Varis Ali, Nasir Khan, Irfan Yusuf Faruqi, Azim Abu Salim Khan @ Azim Bhau, Faizan Mohd. Shafi Shaikh, Mohd. Shahid Faridudin Chaudhary @ Baboos, others

Investigating Agency: Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office

Relevant Statutes: Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002; Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS), 1985