The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 11 premises across Mumbai and Gujarat as part of a money-laundering investigation into an alleged international narcotics trafficking network linked to Navin Chichkar. The case relates to a narcotics seizure worth approximately ₹200 crore in January 2025.
According to ED officials, the network allegedly dealt in cocaine, hydroponic cannabis, LSD and cannabis edibles, much of which was reportedly smuggled into India from abroad, including the United States. The searches focused on tracing the proceeds generated through drug sales and investigating their alleged diversion and concealment.
During the searches, investigators recovered digital devices and other materials suspected of being linked to the alleged laundering of drug proceeds.
Major Narcotics Seizure and Chichkar’s Deportation
On January 31, 2025, the Narcotics Control Bureau’s (NCB) Mumbai zonal unit seized narcotics worth approximately ₹200 crore from a flat in Navi Mumbai. The consignment included 11.54 kg of high-grade cocaine packed into 12 bricks, 4.9 kg of hydroponic cannabis and 5.5 kg of cannabis gummies reportedly smuggled from abroad.
Following the seizure, investigators allegedly established Chichkar’s involvement in the case. He was intercepted in Malaysia based on a pending Interpol Red Corner Notice and deported to India in May 2025. According to NCB officials, a special court dealing with cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had also issued a non-bailable warrant against him.
In June 2026, the NCB’s Mumbai unit secured his preventive detention in a prison in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
How the Alleged Syndicate Operated
Investigators found that the alleged network included educated professionals, including engineers and individuals holding postgraduate degrees from foreign universities.
The syndicate reportedly operated on a strict need-to-know basis, with members using code words, encrypted messaging applications and virtual telephone numbers to communicate. These methods were allegedly intended to prevent law enforcement agencies from detecting their activities.
ED Investigates Alleged Money Laundering
The ED’s investigation has allegedly uncovered the transfer of drug sale proceeds outside India through hawala channels and cryptocurrency transactions.
According to agency officials, the searches yielded evidence that could help establish the movement of funds generated through the alleged narcotics trade. Investigators are examining financial transactions and suspected links between the accused, their associates and intermediaries involved in transferring money abroad.
The probe also indicated that Chichkar allegedly invested a substantial amount of money in cryptocurrency. Investigators suspect that drug proceeds were deposited with hawala operators, who subsequently transferred equivalent value to him through USDT, a cryptocurrency-linked token, or Thai baht while he was abroad.
The ED initiated its investigation based on cases registered by the NCB in Mumbai, the Mumbai Police Anti-Narcotics Cell and the Navi Mumbai Police. These cases followed seizures of high-grade hydroponic cannabis, cocaine and unaccounted cash in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
The investigation is continuing as authorities seek to establish the alleged financial trail, identify the beneficiaries of the proceeds and determine the extent of the network’s operations.
