The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Hyderabad unit, has provisionally attached properties worth ₹8 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with an illegal psychotropic drug export case. The action follows an investigation initiated by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Hyderabad sub-zonal unit, which first registered an FIR against Aashish Jain and his family members in May 2022.Highlights:
Illegal Export of Psychotropic Substances through Internet Pharmacy

• The NCB’s investigation revealed that Aashish Jain was operating an illicit online pharmacy under the name JR Infinity Private Limited.

• The company exported psychotropic substances like Alprazolam, Zolpidem, Lorazepam, Clonazepam, Hydrocodone, and Oxycodone under the guise of offering telemarketing and search engine optimization (SEO) services.

• The illegal drug exports violated the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Search Operations and Evidence Seized

• In searches at the accused's offices, the NCB seized foreign and Indian currencies amounting to ₹3.7 crore.

• Incriminating evidence of unlawful exports of drugs and money trail associated with the crime was discovered by investigators.

ED Uncovers Additional Financial Irregularities

• The investigation by the ED also found that Aashish Jain and his family members received more than ₹4.5 crore in foreign remittances in their personal bank accounts prior to JR Infinity's official formation.

• These transactions were devoid of any legitimate business support, which raised serious concerns of money laundering.

• The total proceeds of crime found in the case total ₹12.7 crore.

ED’s Action Under PMLA

• The ED has now frozen 22 immovable assets and 8 movable assets, with a total value of ₹8 crore.

• More investigations are underway to identify further proceeds of crime and other possible international collaborators of the drug trafficking network.

Statements from Officials:
Enforcement Directorate Representative:
"The accused operated an illegal drug export business under the cover of a legitimate company. The financial transactions and remittances indicate systematic money laundering. Investigations are ongoing to track additional assets and proceeds of crime.”The ED's crackdown on illegal exports of drugs indicates the growing focus on fake online pharmacies that are engaged in international narcotics trade. The authorities are now stepping up investigations to track down other accomplices and break similar networks in India.