New Delhi, Oct. 8 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches across multiple locations in Mumbai on Wednesday as part of a money laundering probe connected to an alleged drug trafficking network, officials said. The operation aims to trace proceeds generated from the illicit activities of a "well-established" drug network involving Faisal Javed Shaikh and Alfiya Faisal Shaikh.

Eight premises in Mumbai are being searched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), ED officials said.

According to officials, Faisal Shaikh was purchasing stimulant drug MD (mephedrone or 'meow meow') through Salim Dola, a notorious drug kingpin wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in narcotics traf...