ED begins probe into 3,000-kg heroin haul in Gujarat

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 21

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) today initiated a probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) into the recent seizure of a record 3,000-kg heroin from two containers at the Mundra port in Gujarat.

According to officials, the case pertains to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seizing 2,988.21-kg Afghan heroin from the Mundra port in Kutch district on September 15. It is considered to be one of the biggest seizures across the globe, they said. The officials said the consignment was estimated to be worth Rs 21,000 crore.

Officials said the ED would investigate the people or syndicate behind the heroin smuggling, identify proceeds of crime and might also attach assets of the accused during the course of the probe.

Officials in the DRI said the consignment had been imported by Aashi Trading Company, registered in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, as semi-processed talc stones. The narcotic is stated to be of Afghanistan origin and was shipped from Bandar Abbas Port in Iran.