The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has apprehended former DMK NRI functionary and film producer Jaffer Sadiq, the alleged mastermind behind a massive drug trafficking network involving India, Australia, and New Zealand on March 9. The arrest follows a week-long joint operation with the Delhi Police’s Special Cell, culminating in the dismantling of an international drug smuggling syndicate.
Jaffer Sadiq, who was once associated with the DMK, has been expelled from the party following revelations of his involvement in the illicit drug trade. His arrest sheds light on a Rs. 2000 crore drug racket, and authorities hope it will unravel the network’s intricate connections and expose other illegal activities.
The Deputy Director General (Operations) of NCB, Gyaneshwar Singh, is scheduled to conduct a press conference later today to provide detailed insights into the matter. Last week, three of Sadiq’s accomplices were arrested in Delhi, and the joint operation yielded the seizure of 50 kg of Pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in the production of illegal narcotics.
The ongoing investigation reveals that over the past three years, 45 consignments containing approximately 3,500 kg of Pseudoephedrine, valued at over Rs. 2000 crore in the international market, were sent as part of the drug trafficking network. Jaffer Sadiq, known for his roles as a film producer, owner of a pharmaceutical company, and exporter, is believed to have orchestrated the cartel responsible for shipping Pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand.
Fearful of arrest, Sadiq has reportedly gone underground, prompting NCB to issue a look-out notice to prevent his escape to foreign countries. The DMK, once associated with Sadiq, has distanced itself from him, with party leaders deleting any connections or photographs shared with the former NRI wing coordinator.
Sadiq’s former business partners and friends have disowned him, claiming limited knowledge of his activities. The arrest comes as a blow to the Tamil film industry, where Sadiq has produced five Tamil films.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Annamalai expressed concern over the escalating drug menace. Modi, while addressing the issue, stated that his government would take robust action against drug cartels if Tamil Nadu supported the BJP. Annamalai appealed for a holistic approach to combating the drug problem, particularly at the school and college levels.
The NCB, in collaboration with other agencies, is intensifying efforts to uncover Sadiq’s network and determine his whereabouts. Notably, the Tamil Nadu Police under the DMK government has yet to demonstrate initiative or collaboration with national agencies to locate Sadiq or provide information leading to his arrest.
Annamalai, confirming Sadiq’s arrest via a tweet, urged law enforcement authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and expose the full extent of Sadiq’s network. He emphasised the need to curtail the free flow of drugs in Tamil Nadu, which has reportedly proliferated under the DMK regime.
The NCB has nabbed the International Drug Lord & DMK functionary Jaffar Sadiq today.
With many other DMK leaders moving closely with Jaffar Sadiq in the last 3 years, it is important to understand how Jaffar Sadiq acted as their conduit for Money laundering.
On behalf of…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) March 9, 2024
Annamalai stated, “On behalf of @BJP4TamilNadu, we request the law enforcement authorities to comb deeply & ensure that Jaffer Sadiq’s network is exposed & busted to ensure the free flow of Drugs in TN under the DMK regime is curtailed.” He emphasised the need for a comprehensive probe to root out the drug menace that has proliferated under the DMK government in Tamil Nadu.
As the details surrounding Jaffer Sadiq’s arrest, including the location and timing, remain undisclosed at the time of writing, the arrest signifies a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. The subsequent investigation is expected to delve into the intricate web of individuals associated with Sadiq, with the aim of dismantling the entire network and curbing the drug trade that has permeated Tamil Nadu under the DMK government.
