ED searches multiple sites in Kerala over Thailand ganja smuggling proceeds
ED raids Kozhikode and Palakkad locations in a money-laundering probe tied to hybrid ganja smuggling from Thailand.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at several premises in the Kozhikode and Palakkad districts of Kerala on Thursday as part of an investigation into the laundering of profits from an international drug trafficking network.
Officials said the searches targeted the residences of four accused individuals — Abu Tahir, Harikrishnan, Jagath, and Jaisal — in connection with a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The probe stems from an incident in June when Ernakulam Rural police arrested a couple and recovered approximately 18 kg of hybrid ganja, valued at around ₹18 crore, from Perumbavoor. Nine more suspects allegedly linked to the smuggling racket were subsequently taken into custody.
Hybrid ganja, cultivated using hydroponic methods, is believed to be brought into Kerala primarily from Thailand. Investigators suspect the accused generated substantial illegal income from this cross-border trade and routed the money back to Thailand through unofficial channels.
The ED is also examining possible violations of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) in the financial transactions. Additionally, authorities allege that the network recruited carriers, arranging their visas and funding travel to facilitate the smuggling operations.
Sources indicated that some individuals connected to the racket are still based in Thailand, and efforts are underway by both the police and the ED to secure their return to India for further questioning.