The arrest followed searches conducted by the ED at six locations across the national capital on June 24 and 25. Talwar was taken into custody on June 24 and produced before a Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court for remand.

Talwar, also known as Kabir Talwar, had earlier been arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in August 2022 in connection with the same case.

According to the ED, Talwar is a key accused in the case and was arrested following searches at his premises as well as those of his employees, business associates and linked entities. The agency’s headquarters investigation unit is probing the large-scale heroin seizure, which was allegedly concealed in consignments of semi-processed talc stones.

The ED initiated its probe based on an FIR registered by the NIA under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the Indian Penal Code.

The NIA has filed six chargesheets in the case, alleging that the accused were part of an international drug trafficking syndicate operating from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Dubai. Investigators have alleged links with Pakistani ISI operatives, Afghan nationals and wanted accused Vitaysh Kosar alias Raju Dubai, who is believed to have masterminded the operation from Dubai.

According to investigators, Talwar allegedly worked in coordination with Kosar to smuggle narcotics into India under the guise of importing semi-processed talc.

The ED further claimed that its investigation revealed that proceeds of crime amounting to Rs 74 crore were transferred to Afghanistan through hawala channels and were allegedly used to finance terrorist activities.

The agency also alleged that Talwar received foreign goods, including dry fruits, dates, perfumes and other items, without payment in return for services rendered to the trafficking syndicate. He is also accused of receiving cash payments from the proceeds generated through the illegal drug trade.

The post ED arrests key accused in Mundra Port heroin haul money laundering case appeared first on PunjabENews.