₹18 Crore Ganja Seizure Triggers ED Money Laundering Probe in Kerala

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at multiple locations in Kozhikode and Palakkad districts of Kerala as part of a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged smuggling of hybrid ganja from Thailand, officials said.

According to ED officials, searches were carried out at the residences of accused persons Abu Tahir, Harikrishnan, Jagath and Jaisal. The action follows a police investigation into an alleged network involved in bringing large quantities of hybrid ganja into Kerala from Thailand.

In June, Ernakulam Rural Police arrested a couple in Perumbavoor and seized around 18 kg of hybrid ganja valued at approximately ₹18 crore. The contraband, allegedly cultivated using hydroponic techniques, is believed to have been smuggled into Kerala primarily from Thailand.

Following the initial arrests, police detained nine more people suspected of being part of the alleged smuggling racket. Based on the findings of the police investigation, the ED recently registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The federal agency’s preliminary investigation has indicated that the accused allegedly handled and laundered large amounts of money generated through drug trafficking between Thailand and India. Officials said the accused allegedly transferred funds to Thailand through illegal channels as part of the operation.

The ED is also examining possible violations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA). Investigators are looking into allegations that members of the network arranged carriers and provided them with visas and money to facilitate the transportation of narcotic substances from Thailand.

ED sources said some individuals allegedly linked to the racket are currently in Thailand. Police and the agency are making efforts to trace and bring them back to India as the investigation progresses.

The searches are part of the ED’s broader probe into the financial network behind the alleged drug-smuggling operation, officials said.