ED raids Kozhikode, Palakkad locations in hybrid ganja money-laundering case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at multiple locations in Kerala's Kozhikode and Palakkad districts on Thursday (September 3, 2026) as part of a money-laundering investigation linked to the smuggling of hybrid ganja from Thailand, officials said.
According to ED officials, searches were carried out at the residences of accused persons Abu Tahir, Harikrishnan, Jagath and Jaisal in the two districts. The action follows a case registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after police investigations into an alleged drug trafficking racket.
In June this year, the Ernakulam Rural police arrested a couple and seized approximately 18 kg of hybrid ganja, valued at around ₹18 crore, from Perumbavoor. Hybrid ganja, cultivated using hydroponic techniques, is allegedly smuggled into Kerala mainly from Thailand. The police later arrested nine more persons suspected to be part of a network involved in bringing large quantities of the drug into the state.
Based on the police investigation, the ED recently registered a case to examine the financial trail linked to the alleged drug trade. A preliminary probe revealed that the accused were purportedly involved in laundering considerable amounts of money generated through drug trafficking from Thailand to India. Officials said money was transferred to Thailand through illegal channels, which also attracted scrutiny under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
The accused allegedly hired individuals as carriers, arranged visas, and provided money to smuggle the narcotic substances into the country. ED sources said some suspects in the racket are still in Thailand, and efforts are being made by both the police and the agency to facilitate their return to India for legal proceedings.
The searches are part of a broader federal and state law enforcement push against organised drug networks operating through international routes. Authorities have often highlighted the challenge posed by synthetic or high-potency cannabis variants like hybrid ganja, which are produced using controlled cultivation methods and command high street prices.
Legal experts note that offences related to drug trafficking and money laundering carry stringent penalties under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and the PMLA. The ED's involvement indicates that the probe extends beyond the immediate seizure to the financial infrastructure enabling such smuggling operations.
Officials have not disclosed further details about the documents or digital evidence recovered during Thursday's searches. Investigations are ongoing.
