The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Mumbai Zonal Office, has provisionally attached 7 immovable properties worth ₹5.88 crore in Mumbai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 in connection with an NDPS case.
The attachment concerns assets allegedly derived from proceeds of crime linked to illegal Mephedrone (MD) trafficking.
NCB Complaint Triggered ED Investigation
The investigation began on the basis of a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Mumbai, under various sections of the NDPS Act.
The probe revealed that Faisal Shaikh allegedly procured prohibited Mephedrone (MD) through a source linked to Salim Dola, identified as a notorious drug kingpin.
Structured MD Distribution Network Identified
ED identified a structured distribution chain operated by Faisal Shaikh and Alfiya Shaikh for the sale of Mephedrone.
The accused allegedly sold MD to intermediaries including Samiya Khan, Nasir Yasin Khan, and Azim Abu Salim Khan @ Azim Bhau, who further supplied it to retail-level customers.
The flow chart on page 2 of the press release illustrates two parallel components: the drug procurement and distribution network, and the laundering of cash through associates, shell entities, and eventual property purchases.
Alleged Money Laundering Mechanism
The accused allegedly used layered financial transactions to integrate drug proceeds into the banking system.
Faisal Javed Shaikh and Alfiya Shaikh allegedly deposited cash generated from drug sales into their personal bank accounts to project it as legitimate income.
The investigation further states that firms were opened in their names and in the names of associates without genuine business activity, and these entities were used to integrate proceeds of crime.
Cash was allegedly routed through close associates, including Faizan Mohd Shafi Shaikh, via his proprietorship concern M/s Faiz Impex, Mumbai, and through multiple bank accounts and shell companies. Part of the funds were diverted back to the main accused and their family members and subsequently used to purchase immovable properties in Mumbai.
Earlier Seizure on 08 October 2025
During searches conducted on 08.10.2025 under PMLA, ED Mumbai seized and froze assets linked to the accused.
The seizure included ₹42 lakh in cash, 1.6 kg of jewellery valued at approximately ₹1.76 crore, three second-hand luxury vehicles worth around ₹56 lakh, and 12 bank accounts of the accused persons.
Legal Basis: PMLA and NDPS Act
Under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, ED has the authority to provisionally attach properties derived from criminal activities, including offences under the NDPS Act. A provisional attachment restricts transfer or disposal of the identified assets and remains subject to adjudication under the Act.
The NDPS Act criminalizes possession, sale, procurement, and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including Mephedrone (MD).
Current Status
Further investigation is ongoing to trace the complete money trail and identify additional linked entities.
The attachment of ₹5.88 crore worth of immovable properties marks a key development in the financial investigation arising from the NDPS case.
Source: ED Press Release dated 16/02/2026 regarding Mumbai NDPS Case