Film producer Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary known for his involvement in the South Indian film industry, has been apprehended by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) after a four-month pursuit.
The NCB alleges that Sadiq spearheaded a drug smuggling operation worth over ₹2,000 crore, predominantly directed towards Australia and New Zealand.
Described as the "kingpin" of the India-Australia-New Zealand drug trafficking network, Sadiq is accused of orchestrating the export of 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, concealed within parcels, to Australia.
Pseudoephedrine, a controlled substance in India, is a key ingredient in the production of methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth.
According to Gyaneshwar Singh, Deputy Director General of the NCB, Sadiq managed to evade authorities by traversing several cities, including Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Pune, and Hyderabad, before ultimately being apprehended in Jaipur.
Investigators assert that Sadiq accumulated substantial wealth through his illicit activities, investing in real estate and film production endeavors, including his latest project, "Mangai".
Additionally, he purportedly used drug profits to acquire a hotel.
Sadiq's arrest follows a significant drug seizure incident where methamphetamine valued at ₹180 crore was intercepted from rail passengers in Madurai and a dump yard in Chennai.
Methamphetamine, colloquially referred to as "ice" or "crystal meth", poses severe health risks and is notorious for its addictive properties.
The NCB's crackdown on Sadiq and his associates aligns with broader efforts to combat drug trafficking, with recent arrests made in Delhi linked to the international drug syndicate.
Furthermore, the involvement of the US's Federal Bureau of Investigation underscores the transnational nature of the investigation.
The matter has prompted political reactions, with BJP state chief K Annamalai condemning the ruling DMK party, asserting that Tamil Nadu has become a hub for drug-related activities.
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