ED Files Prosecution Complaint in Inter-State Drug Trafficking & Money Laundering Case
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, has taken a major step against an inter-state drug trafficking network by filing a Prosecution Complaint on 6 February 2026 before the Hon’ble Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002 at Mohali.
The case involves Abhishek Kumar, Soul Healthcare (I) Pvt. Ltd., M/s Aster Pharma, and several other related individuals and entities. The investigation is linked to the illegal supply of psychotropic and intoxicant substances, including Tramadol and Alprazolam, across state borders.
How the Case Began
The ED initiated its investigation based on an FIR registered by the Punjab Police under the NDPS Act, 1985, following the recovery of Tramadol-based tablets and drug money in cash from drug peddlers.
Key Findings of ED Investigation
The investigation revealed a well-organized network involving manufacturers, distributors, middlemen, and drug peddlers:
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Middlemen firms such as M/s Shri Shyam Medical Agency, M/s MP Traders, and M/s Kanix Pharma procured large quantities of psychotropic tablets from pharmaceutical manufacturers.
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These drugs were diverted for illegal cash sales without proper bills, prescriptions, or stock registers.
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Soul Healthcare (I) Pvt. Ltd., the manufacturer of Tramadol-based tablets, along with its distributor M/s Aster Pharma, was found to be directly involved in illegal sales.
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Tablets were transported via courier services from manufacturing units to middlemen, who further supplied them to drug peddlers.
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While invoice-equivalent amounts were routed through bank accounts, excess proceeds were paid in cash, forming the proceeds of crime.
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Searches, Arrests, and Attachments
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Searches were conducted on 17 June 2025 under Section 17 of PMLA, resulting in the seizure of ₹4 lakh in cash and incriminating documents.
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Abhishek Kumar of M/s Shri Shyam Medical Agency was arrested on 9 December 2025 and is currently in judicial custody.
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Assets worth ₹2.19 crore, including movable and immovable properties belonging to individuals connected with Aster Pharma, Soul Healthcare, Kanix Pharma, MP Traders, and others, were provisionally attached vide Provisional Attachment Order No. 1/2026 dated 02.02.2026.
A Serious Threat to Society
The ED has highlighted that this network spans across manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, facilitating the illegal circulation of psychotropic drugs. Such activities pose a serious risk to public health, contributing to widespread misuse and addiction, especially among youth.
What Lies Ahead
The filing of the prosecution complaint marks a significant milestone, but further investigation is still underway. The case underscores the government’s continued focus on curbing drug trafficking and dismantling financial networks that fuel such crimes.
