Law enforcement officials in Madurai successfully seized 30 kg of methamphetamine on March 1, unravelling a deep-rooted drug cartel operating in Tamil Nadu. The crackdown comes on the heels of recent concerns expressed by Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai over the drug cartel’s links with the DMK’s first family, following arrests in Delhi and a drug seizure off the Gujarat coast.
#BreakingNews | 30 கிலோ மெத்தபெட்டமைன் பறிமுதல்#madurai | #Chennai | #train | #Methamphetamine | #NewsTamil24x7 pic.twitter.com/TwZiwbDZhy
— News Tamil 24×7 (@NewsTamilTV24x7) March 1, 2024
Acting on intelligence inputs, authorities focused on Pilliman Prakash, a passenger on the Pothigai Express train traveling from Chennai to Sengottai. Suspecting him of carrying illicit substances, a raid conducted at the Madurai railway station resulted in the successful seizure of 30 kg of methamphetamine from Pilliman Prakash.
I Prakash, 42, hailing from Chennai, was intercepted by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials upon his arrival at Madurai Railway Station. Thorough checks of his two bags revealed 30 kg of methamphetamine, with 15 kg in powder form and 15 kg in liquid form, valued at Rs. 50 crores.
Important : From sources :
Regarding the drug bust (methamphitamine) at Madurai .The operation is done by DRI. Main accused (mastermind) yet to be apprehended . But pilliman Prakash (courier/carrier/middleman)was apprehended. Looks like central agency will take over .DRI -… pic.twitter.com/ofI8g8yoHY
— karthik gopinath (@karthikgnath) March 1, 2024
While the mastermind behind the drug operation remains at large, Pilliman Prakash has been detained, and questioning is currently underway. The central agency, DRI, is set to take control of the investigation. Methamphetamine, a potent and high-grade drug, was the substance seized in this operation, known for its stimulating effects on cranial nerves and its ability to induce a euphoric mood. It is a powerful narcotic drug that profoundly affects the central nervous system.
This recent development follows the busting of a drug smuggling ring in Madurai, where Tamim Ansari (59) was found in possession of over 10 kg of methamphetamine and related raw materials during a police raid at his residence. Further investigation revealed the involvement of Anbu from Chennai and Arun from Trichy, who were using Ansari’s house as a storage facility for drugs. The trio has allegedly been smuggling drugs valued at several crores into Tamil Nadu over the past three years, with a single gram of the substance fetching up to Rs. 5,000.
The significant seizure of drugs from a lone individual in Madurai underscores the persistent challenges associated with drug trafficking in the region, raising concerns among law enforcement agencies about the scale and operations of the illicit drug trade in Tamil Nadu.
