The Directorate of Enforcement (ED), Jalandhar Zonal Office, has secured the conviction of Athar Sayeed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in a cross-border drug trafficking case. The order was passed by the Court of the Hon’ble Special Judge (PMLA), Jalandhar, on December 22, 2025.

The ED initiated the money laundering investigation after Punjab Police registered an FIR under various sections of the NDPS Act, 1985 against Athar Sayeed and other accused for their alleged role in cross-border drug trafficking. The case pertained to the smuggling of heroin and the generation of illegal proceeds from the sale of narcotic substances.

During the investigation, the ED found that Athar Sayeed was actively involved in the smuggling of heroin across the border and in the subsequent collection and handling of drug money. The agency established that the proceeds generated from these illegal activities constituted Proceeds of Crime under the PMLA.

As part of the probe, the ED conducted searches at two locations on April 1, 2016, under the provisions of the PMLA. Later, movable assets worth ₹17 lakh, comprising cash seized from the accused, were provisionally attached through an order dated March 21, 2018.

After completion of the trial, the Special PMLA Court sentenced Athar Sayeed to rigorous imprisonment for three years and imposed a fine of ₹10,000. In case of default in payment of the fine, the court ordered an additional three months of rigorous imprisonment. The court also directed that the seized ₹17 lakh, identified as Proceeds of Crime, be confiscated to the government.