Enforcement Directorate Arrests Six in Major Heroin Smuggling Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested six individuals involved in a cross-border drug smuggling network under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation revealed a significant operation smuggling heroin from Afghanistan into India. The arrested individuals, Lovejit Singh, Manjeet Singh, Prabhjit Singh, Gurjot Singh, Ramandeep Singh, and Gurpreet Singh, were key members of a syndicate that smuggled heroin concealed within shipments of talc stone and gypsum powder.
The ED’s investigation was initiated following the seizure of 293.81 kg of heroin from containers imported by Sandhu Exports at Nhava Sheva Port and 352.71 kg from vehicles and a flat in Faridabad, Haryana. In total, 646.52 kg of heroin has been seized. The accused used Sandhu Exports, a front company owned by Prabhjit Singh, to facilitate the smuggling.
The investigation uncovered a sophisticated network involving multiple bank accounts, cash transactions, and the use of encrypted communication apps. The syndicate did not pay Afghan suppliers until the drugs were sold locally. Cash was used to purchase vehicles for trafficking and high-end smartphones for communication. The drugs were imported via Nhava Sheva port, stored in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, and distributed in Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana.
Previously, the ED attached a property in Jandoli Village, multiple bank accounts, and fixed deposits linked to the accused.
Doubts Revealed
Enforcement Directorate -: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is a government agency in India that investigates financial crimes like money laundering and illegal money transfers. They help catch people who are doing illegal activities with money.
Heroin -: Heroin is a very dangerous and illegal drug that can harm people. It is made from a plant called opium poppy and is often smuggled or illegally transported between countries.
Smuggling -: Smuggling is the act of secretly and illegally bringing goods, like drugs, into a country. People do this to avoid paying taxes or because the goods are illegal.
Afghanistan -: Afghanistan is a country in Asia, located to the northwest of India. It is known for producing opium, which is used to make heroin.
Talc stone and gypsum powder -: Talc stone and gypsum powder are types of minerals. In this case, they were used to hide heroin so that it could be smuggled without being detected.
Encrypted communication -: Encrypted communication means sending messages in a secret code so that only the intended person can read them. This is often used to keep information private and secure.
Cash transactions -: Cash transactions involve paying for things using physical money, like notes and coins, instead of using digital methods like credit cards or online payments.
Front company -: A front company is a fake business set up to hide illegal activities. It looks like a normal business but is actually used to cover up crimes.
Properties and bank accounts attached -: When properties and bank accounts are ‘attached,’ it means the government has taken control of them. This is done to prevent the accused from using them while the investigation is ongoing.
