Unpacking the Lucknow Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking Scheme

The Enforcement Directorate arrested two individuals linked to a drug trafficking operation that shipped banned psychotropic substances to the US. The investigation reveals that various companies were used to traffic these substances, generating significant illicit revenues between 2012 and 2017.

The Enforcement Directorate has taken decisive action by arresting two individuals in Lucknow, connected to a significant money laundering probe. This investigation relates to a drug trafficking operation that exported illegal medicines to the United States.

The federal agency, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), apprehended Shantanu Gupta and Abdul Wahab Yasir. The root of the money laundering case traces back to a Narcotics Control Bureau's inquiry into Hatsh Telecommunication Pvt. Ltd. and others involved in trafficking psychotropic substances.

These accused parties set up several companies and a call centre in Lucknow to procure and ship banned drugs to US citizens. They amassed an illicit fortune of Rs 23.67 crore by operating through surrogate companies and arranging transactions via India Post.

(With inputs from agencies.)