The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has made a significant breakthrough in its investigation into the international drug trade by arresting AR Jaffer Sadiq, a former functionary of the DMK’s NRI wing, from Tihar Central Prison. Sadiq was already incarcerated in connection with a major narcotics case.
Earlier this year, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) received information from Australian authorities and other international sources, leading to a raid on a godown in Delhi in February. During this operation, the NCB apprehended three individuals in possession of 50 kg of pseudoephedrine. Upon questioning, these individuals revealed that they were working for Jaffer Sadiq. Consequently, Sadiq was arrested in March, accused of smuggling around 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine valued at over INR 2,000 crore. His operations reportedly extended to Australia and New Zealand.
Jaffer Sadiq’s arrest has uncovered his deep connections with various influential circles, including politicians and film personalities. According to police statements, Sadiq’s clientele included high-profile individuals from the cine industry, who frequented rave parties on ECR Road.
ED’s Investigation
The ED, focusing on the money laundering aspects of the case, registered a case against Sadiq and his associate, Sadanandam. Both had previously been implicated in a hawala racket and were under scrutiny by the NCB and Customs departments for their involvement in cross-border narcotics trafficking. The ED’s investigation revealed that Sadiq was masterminding an international drug trafficking syndicate, using pseudoephedrine disguised as health-mix powder and desiccated coconut for smuggling.
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NCB Deputy Director General Gyaneswar Singh stated that Sadiq’s drug network extended across New Delhi, Tamil Nadu, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia. In May, a Delhi court permitted the ED to interrogate Sadiq and four other individuals in Tihar Jail concerning a drug-related money laundering case. Special Judge Sudhir Kumar Sirohi allowed the ED to question the accused from May 8 to 10, with the provision to use laptops, printers, and other necessary equipment for recording their statements.
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On June 26, the ED officially apprehended Jaffer Sadiq from Tihar Jail. Plans are underway to transfer the 36-year-old to Chennai and present him before a special court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for further interrogation. A production warrant is being sought from a Delhi court, facilitating his transfer to Chennai for the ED’s ongoing investigation.
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NCB Raids and Political Fallout
Following Sadiq’s arrest, the NCB conducted raids on properties associated with him and his associates, leading to the arrest of his aide, Sadanandam. Authorities are also searching for Sadiq’s brothers, who are believed to be involved in the drug trade.
In February, following Sadiq’s arrest by the NCB, the ruling DMK expelled him from the party. Tamil Nadu Law Minister S Regupathy asserted that the party had no ties with Sadiq. However, social media posts have surfaced showing Sadiq with top DMK leaders, including the Chief Minister and Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, in various public events.
Critics have pointed out that drug smuggling activities have increased since the BJP government took power for the third time. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had vowed to take strict action against corrupt individuals and confiscate their assets. Reliable sources indicate that some top DMK leaders might have connections with Jaffer Sadiq, who reportedly financed a film involving a family member of the DMK leadership. Observers suggest that significant actions could be taken before the 2026 assembly polls, similar to what occurred in Delhi and Jharkhand.
The arrest of Jaffer Sadiq marks a crucial step in dismantling an extensive international drug trafficking network, with further investigations expected to uncover more about the depth and reach of his operations. The ongoing probes by the ED and NCB will likely have significant ramifications for the individuals and networks involved.
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