Stories
ED Raids 16 Locations in Assam-Bengal, Uncovers International Smuggling Syndicate
- •The ED launched a major operation against a foreign-origin betel nut smuggling and money laundering syndicate, raiding 16 locations in Assam and West Bengal.
- •The syndicate allegedly smuggled betel nuts from Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar into India, transporting them through Mizoram to various states.
- •Investigation includes alleged use of fake GST invoices, counterfeit e-way bills, and forged transit documents to facilitate smuggling.
- •Raids targeted premises linked to Siliguri transporter Dhiraj Ghosh, his associates, and Guwahati-based logistics companies Jai Karni Tradings Private Limited and Northeast Agro Private Limited.
- •The money laundering probe, based on 11 FIRs, is tracing alleged crime proceeds routed through bank accounts and used to acquire properties and assets.
Key Questions Answered
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated a money laundering investigation based on 11 FIRs registered by the Assam and West Bengal Police under the IPC, BNS, and NDPS Act regarding an alleged foreign-origin betel nut smuggling syndicate.
The syndicate allegedly brought foreign-origin betel nuts from Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar into India through Mizoram, and subsequently transported them to states like West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra using fake GST invoices and counterfeit e-way bills.
Some individuals targeted in the current operation are allegedly linked to other criminal investigations, including the 2024 Naxalbari case where approximately 42 tons of betel nuts were seized, and previous ED multi-state searches conducted on July 3, 2026.
