Massive LSD cartel dismantled by NCB
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) uncovered a significant LSD cartel operating in Tamil Nadu, exposing a dark net-driven narcotics distribution network. The operation, which led to the seizure of 4,343 LSD blots valued at Rs 1 crore, went largely unnoticed amidst the ongoing scrutiny of international drug kingpin and DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq.
The video of NCB Zonal Director P Aravindan’s press conference, detailing the dismantling of the LSD cartel, failed to gain traction on social media, possibly overshadowed by the headlines surrounding Jaffer Sadiq. The seizure included a variety of narcotics such as Ganja, Hashish, heroin, Methamphetamine, and now LSD, pointing to the expansive reach of the drug trade in the region.
NCB Zonal Director Aravindan emphasised that the target customers of this drug network ranged from VIPs, college and school students (including girls), to participants in rave parties attended by leading actors, actresses from the film world, and the sons of politicians.
The revelations come just days after Prime Minister Modi, speaking at a public meeting, assured that if Tamil Nadu strengthens the party and secures victories in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, actions against the drug mafia would be accelerated. Annamalai, a prominent political figure, has rallied support for the cause.
The NCB’s operation, announced on February 22, 2024, exposed the activities of an LSD cartel utilising the dark net for narcotics distribution. The alleged mastermind, Balaji, aged 50, reportedly delved into the dark net during the COVID pandemic, creating the account ‘harekrishna4u’ to acquire LSD stamps using cryptocurrency. Balaji sourced LSD stamps from Germany and distributed them to darknet ‘friends’ across the country.
The contraband was discreetly couriered through India Post, camouflaged as photo frames and books. Balaji, previously arrested by Karnataka police in a narcotics case, established the new darknet ID after being released on bail in November of the previous year.
Providing further details on the operation, Aravindan stated that the NCB had been actively working on this case since January, resulting in simultaneous arrests in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Kochi, and Surat. The individuals arrested included businessmen, MNC workers, assistant directors in Bollywood, and graduates from reputable institutions. Notably, eight arrests were made in Kochi, a hotspot for drug-related activities.
In addition to the arrests and seizures, 18 bank accounts linked to the accused have been frozen, underscoring the financial aspects of the narcotics network.
In a recent claim made by YouTuber Rangarajan, it is alleged that IRS Sameer Wankhede, known for arresting Shah Rukh Khan’s son, Aryan Khan, on drug-related charges in 2021, has been transferred to the Directorate General of Taxpayer Services (DGTS), Chennai. Appointed as an additional commissioner, Wankhede’s new assignment reportedly involves tracking the drug mafia in Tamil Nadu and southern states. The unverified source suggests that Wankhede, along with prominent political figure Annamalai and Governor RN Ravi, has devised strategies to combat the drug menace and closely monitors their activities.
The information, shared via a tweet from the account “SaffronDelhite,” points to a significant shift in Wankhede’s role from his previous position as an IRS officer to a key player in the fight against drug-related activities in the southern region. Interestingly, Wankhede and NCB Zonal Director Aravindan are noted to be IPS batchmates.
Meanwhile, the state of Tamil Nadu is grappling with an alarming surge in narcotics incidents, as evidenced by two recent incidents. In Veppadai, Namakkal district, law enforcement authorities confiscated 10,000 drug pills after receiving a tip about their presence in graveyards. An investigation revealed that youths were dissolving pills obtained online in water and injecting themselves at night, leading to a state of disorder and posing a threat to public safety.
In a separate incident in Ammapettai, Erode district, four college students were arrested on March 5, 2024, for possession of 95 drug pills. During a routine vehicle inspection, police intercepted the students – identified as Sridhar, Palaniswami, Tamizharasan, and Naveen – who admitted to purchasing the drugs from unidentified persons.
Some Of the recent Drug busts in Tamil Nadu during DMK regime
On February 24, 2024, DMK functionary and Tamil film producer Jaffar Sadiq was identified as the mastermind behind an organized international drug syndicate, responsible for smuggling Pseudoephedrine valued at Rs 2000 Crore over the past three years.
On February 28, 2024, NCB intercepted and confiscated narcotics worth Rs 1200 Crore intended for transfer and transportation to Tamil Nadu in the open seas.
On March 1, 2024, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized Methamphetamine worth Rs180 Crore in Madurai.
On March 5, 2024, hashish valued at Rs108 Crore was confiscated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence in Rameswaram.
In January 2024, Chennai city police have dismantled a drug trafficking network involving Nigerians, a South African, and local businessmen, arresting seven suspects. Seized items include 107 small packets of cocaine, one kilogram of cocaine, RS2 lakh in cash, and six mobile phones, with investigations revealing the drug’s origin from African cities, including Addis Ababa and Nairobi.
As per NCRB the number of deaths due to drug overdose in Tamil Nadu, categorized by age groups for the years 2017, 2018, and 2019.
In 2017, Tamil Nadu reported a total of 48 deaths, with no fatalities in the age groups below 14 and 14-18, while the highest number 19 occurred in the 30-45 age group. In 2018, the total deaths decreased to 46, with the majority in the 30-45 and 45-60 age groups with 23 and 17 respectively. In 2019, the total deaths increased to 108, with a significant rise in the 30-45 age group with 44 fatality. These statistics underscore the concerning trend of drug overdose-related fatalities in Tamil Nadu.
The figures for suicides attributed to drug abuse or alcoholic addiction in Tamil Nadu during the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 were 1033, 1042, and 1377, respectively, based on state/UT-wise data. In May 2023, an 18-year-old named Sanjay passed away in Pulianthope due to a drug overdose involving painkiller tablets. Authorities declared the overdose occurred when the tablets were dissolved in water and injected into his bloodstream using syringes and painkiller tablets.
On August 2023 Two individuals were arrested in Saidapet for suspected possession of ganja and painkiller tablets. The Police intercepted the suspects on a two-wheeler near Saidapet Railway Station, leading to the discovery of 1.2 kg of ganja, 300 tapentadol tablets.
On December 2023, another 20-year-old youth, known as Raja alias David, passed away due to a drug overdose at his residence in Basin Bridge. This incident was recorded by the police as occurrence of fatal drug overdose.
In 2015, Tamil Nadu ranked at the top with 205 deaths, marking the highest number of fatalities due to drug overdose, as reported by the National Crime Records Bureau. The resurgence of such incidents is alarming, indicating a concerning trend reminiscent of the state’s previous status in 2014.
Tamil Nadu has become a hub for drug trafficking. DMK, it is alleged, is making money from drugs, illegal sand, and stone mines by taking excess more than was allowed and in other possible means. In social media, a post says “ TV channels are in the hands of Dayanidhi Maran, cinema is in Udhay Nidhi Stalin’s hands, real estate business is under Stalin’s son-in-law Sabareesan, 2G proceeds with Kanimozhi, and district party leaders are in looting natural wealth like minerals with MK Stalin at the helm of the DMK government. They (DMK ka parivar) are monopolising everything under the sun and looting in Tamil Nadu .“
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