Cross-Border Drug Racket Unveiled: GST Misuse in Drug Trade

Investigation reveals misuse of GST credentials by Myanmarese nationals to buy drug-manufacturing materials. Federal probe agency ED conducts raids across Indian states under PMLA. Seizures include Rs 46.7 lakh and freezing of 21 bank accounts. The racket aids cross-border drug production and money laundering.

An investigation into a cross-border narcotics trafficking network has uncovered the misuse of GST credentials by Myanmarese nationals, facilitating the procurement of drug manufacturing raw materials, according to India's Enforcement Directorate (ED).

The federal probe agency, ED, conducted its inaugural searches along the India-Myanmar border on November 27, amid a money laundering investigation linked to drug trafficking in Mizoram. Raids were carried out in locations across Aizawl and Champhai in Mizoram, Sribhumi in Assam, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat, under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

Evidence gathered during the operation showed Indians purchased Pseudoephedrine tablets and Caffeine Anhydrous on behalf of Myanmar nationals, fueling trans-border drug production and trafficking. The scheme, significantly affecting the Indo-Myanmar border areas, included financial misconduct with cash seizures and bank account freezes related to Hawala operations. This ED case originated from a Mizoram Police FIR following a heroin seizure involving six suspects.

(With inputs from agencies.)