The Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) successfully intercepted a boat carrying 99 kilograms of hashish worth Rs. 108 crores. The seizure, made at mid-sea near Rameswaram, thwarted an attempt to smuggle the contraband to Sri Lanka.
This interception comes just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the rise in drug trafficking from Tamil Nadu. Addressing a BJP meeting in Chennai, PM Modi highlighted the flourishing drug cartel in the state, particularly through the distribution of drugs disguised as rave party substances. He assured swift action against the perpetrators, urging support to strengthen the BJP for the sake of Tamil Nadu’s future generations.
The Tamil Nadu BJP chief echoed PM Modi’s sentiments, calling for a collective effort to combat the drug menace. He specifically urged students, NGOs, educational institutions, and parents to join the fight against narcotics, especially synthetic drugs, which pose severe risks to human health.
This recent interception is linked to a larger crackdown on drug trafficking networks operating in the region. Notably, a drug cartel headed by former DMK’s NRI wing functionary Jaffer Sadiq and his brothers, who were later expelled, was recently exposed. Authorities arrested individuals in Delhi and seized drugs worth Rs. 2000 crores, signaling the depth of the problem.
In a separate incident, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Indian Navy intercepted a significant drug consignment, weighing 3132 kilograms, off the Gujarat coast. The drugs, believed to be destined for Tamil Nadu, were valued at over Rs. 1000 crores.
Acting on intelligence inputs, officials also seized 30 kilograms of methamphetamine from a passenger on the Pothigai Express train traveling from Chennai to Sengottai. Further investigations led to the discovery of an additional six kilograms of the same drug from the Kodungaiyur dump yard in Chennai, linked to the same individual’s spouse. The combined value of the seized drugs amounts to a staggering Rs. 180 crores.
