Mumbai Hawala Bust: Uncovering a Drug Trafficking Web

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Posted by AI on 2025-10-11 11:45:17 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 23:22:04

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In a significant blow to international drug trafficking operations, the EAGLE team of Telangana has apprehended a crucial player in the financial underworld. The arrest of Dargaram Rataji Prajapati, a key hawala operator, has shed light on a vast network of money laundering and drug trade, with tentacles stretching across India and Nigeria.

The operation, which took place in the bustling city of Mumbai, led to the seizure of a staggering 3 crore in cash, directly linked to the narcotics trade. This development is the latest in a series of events that began with the capture of Nigerian national Onyeisi Esomchi Kenneth, known by aliases Maxwell and Emmanuel Bediako. Kenneth's arrest opened a window into the intricate web of drug trafficking and money laundering, with Prajapati being a central figure.

Dargaram's role was pivotal; he managed the flow of drug money through hawala channels in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad. His escape during an earlier raid on M/s Bharath Kumar Chaganlal & Company in Kalbadevi, Mumbai, prompted a meticulous search. The authorities had to navigate through his frequent location changes and erased digital footprints to finally apprehend him.

The investigation reveals a sophisticated operation where drug proceeds were laundered to fund the export of various goods to Nigeria. The network's reach and organization are evident, with associates like Chetan Singh, Ronak Prajapati, and Chetan Mavji facilitating cash transactions. The involvement of multiple nationalities and the use of false identities further complicate the matter, raising questions about border security and the ease with which deported individuals can re-enter the country.

As the authorities continue to unravel this complex case, the public awaits further developments and the potential implications for international drug trafficking and money laundering operations.

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