ED arrests two operatives in Salim Dhola’s international Mephedrone
The Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) Mumbai Zonal Office has arrested Praveen alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde and Brijesh Kanajibhai Moradia under Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, in connection with laundering proceeds generated by an international organised narcotics trafficking network run by Salim Ismail Dhola and his associates.
The probe originates from multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) registered by various police stations under the Kanpur Division of Mumbai Police against Salim Dhola and others for the illegal trafficking of prohibited narcotic and psychotropic substances.
ED investigations have established the existence of a highly structured cross-border crime network engaged in the clandestine purchase of precursors, illegal manufacture of Mephedrone (MD), international trafficking and distribution of the drug, hawala-based movement of funds, collection of illegal income in the names of close associates, and acquisition of immovable properties.
Praveen alias Nagesh Ramchandra Shinde has been identified as a key figure in the illegal clandestine manufacture of Mephedrone and its subsequent sale and supply. ED says he was involved in generating, managing, utilising and transferring the proceeds of this illicit trade.
The illegal income was channelled through bank accounts opened in the names of his close associates and other persons to conceal its origin and ownership. Brijesh Moradia handled the procurement and supply chain of precursors required for the illegal manufacture of MD.
He allegedly received large volumes of cash from Angola, which were deposited into bank accounts held by him, his associates, and controlled entities. These funds were then routed through banking and hawala channels to various chemical companies and institutions for the purchase of precursors. In return, Moradia and his relatives received commissions in the form of chemicals, which were later transferred, sold, and used in the manufacturing process. On June 2 and June 3, 2026, the ED conducted coordinated search operations at 21 locations across Mumbai, Surat, Ankleshwar and Rajkot.
The searches covered the entire operational network of the Salim Dhola syndicate, including key persons and premises linked to precursor suppliers, chemical traders, manufacturers, distributors of synthetic drugs, and entities holding proceeds of crime. During the raids, officials seized cash amounting to approximately Rs 1.33 crore, foreign currency including $2,200, gold biscuits, and other valuables. Officials also recovered documents related to immovable properties valued at crores of rupees in India and Dubai, indicating investment of proceeds generated by the syndicate.