ED Registers Case Over Rs 5,620 Crore Drug Haul

New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday announced the registration of a money laundering case related to the recent massive narcotics seizure in the national capital. The ED also conducted raids in Delhi, Mumbai, and Gurugram in connection with the case.

On October 2, the Delhi Police Special Cell seized over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana from a godown in the Mahipalpur area of south Delhi. The seized drugs are estimated to be worth Rs 5,620 crore. So far, seven individuals have been arrested in the case. "Key financial documents detailing the financial activities of the accused, as well as information regarding their movable and immovable properties, have been recovered," the ED said in a statement.

The Delhi Police has also issued look-out circulars (LOCs) against six people, including Savinder Singh, an Indian-origin UK national who fled the country before a recent seizure of 208 kg of cocaine in west Delhi. Police sources indicate that Singh arrived in India last month to oversee the transportation and delivery of the 208-kg consignment, suspected to have originated from South America. Singh fled to the UK shortly after the arrest of four syndicate members on October 2.

According to the ED, raids were carried out at various locations, including the residences of the main accused, Tushar Goel, and his wife in Vasant Enclave and Rajouri Garden in Delhi. Himanshu Kumar’s residence in Prem Nagar, Delhi, and Bharat Kumar’s residence in Nalasopara, Mumbai, were also searched. The ED additionally raided the business premises of Tushar Books Publication Private Limited, Tulip Publications Private Limited in Delhi’s Jhandewalan area, and ABN Buildtech Private Limited in Gurugram. These companies are reportedly owned and controlled by Goel and his family members.

Tushar Goel, also known as Dikki, allegedly stored the seized narcotic consignment at a family-owned godown in Mahipalpur. The ED revealed that Goel had traveled to Dubai and Thailand in June this year, where he met associates to plan the distribution of the drugs. Goel is reportedly working in collaboration with a Dubai-based mastermind with a history of involvement in the supply of cocaine and other narcotics.

The ED will question the accused and move to attach their assets after determining the proceeds of the crime, according to agency sources.

In a second major drug bust within days, the Delhi Police on October 10 seized 208 kg of cocaine worth Rs 2,080 crore from a rented shop in west Delhi's Ramesh Nagar area. This case is believed to be connected to the October 2 seizure, and the ED is investigating both incidents.