In a significant crackdown, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has apprehended a film producer linked to the smuggling of drugs valued at more than Rs. 2,000 crores internationally. The arrest, which concluded a four-month-long search, involves Jaffer Sadiq, a figure with ties to the DMK and a known personality in the South Indian film industry.
Described by the NCB as the central figure in a complex drug trafficking operation spanning Australia, New Zealand, and India, Sadiq is accused of overseeing the distribution of drugs worth Rs. 2,000 crores in these countries. This comes as Sadiq was on the brink of releasing his latest film, adding to his portfolio of four movies to date.
The arrest follows a week after law enforcement detained two individuals on a train in Madurai and another person in a Chennai garbage dump, all found with methamphetamine estimated to be worth Rs. 180 crores. These seizures were part of an attempt to smuggle the drugs to Sri Lanka.
Further investigations led to the recovery of 36 kg of the drug from the apprehended couple and an additional 6 kg from the Kodungaiyur dump site on February 29, as announced by Chennai officials. The substance, known as ‘Ice’ or ‘crystal meth,’ is recognized for its highly addictive properties and potent euphoric effects, similar to those of cocaine, as highlighted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.
The incident has sparked political controversy, with BJP state president K Annamalai criticizing the DMK government and labeling Tamil Nadu as the “drug capital” of India, in light of the recent drug bust.
