In a significant crackdown, a well-known film producer was arrested for his alleged involvement in smuggling drugs internationally, with the narcotics valued at more than Rs. 2,000 crores. The arrest, made by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday, ended a four-month-long search for Jaffer Sadiq, a former official of the DMK and a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry.
Labelled as the central figure in a complex drug distribution network spanning Australia, New Zealand, and India, Sadiq is accused of orchestrating the smuggling of drugs worth approximately Rs. 2,000 crores into Australia and New Zealand. At the time of his apprehension, Sadiq was anticipating the release of his latest film project, adding to his portfolio of four films produced.
This arrest followed closely on the heels of another significant drug seizure a week earlier. Authorities detained two individuals on a train in Madurai and uncovered a substantial quantity of methamphetamine in a garbage dump in Chennai, intended for illicit transport to Sri Lanka. The combined value of the drugs seized in these operations was estimated at Rs. 180 crores.
On February 29, Chennai officials announced the recovery of 36 kilograms of narcotics from the arrested duo and an additional 6 kilograms from the Kodungaiyur dump site. Methamphetamine, often referred to as “ice” or “crystal meth,” is known for its high addiction potential and severe health risks, including life-threatening conditions and intense euphoric effects similar to those of cocaine, as highlighted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.
The incident has sparked considerable political debate, with K Annamalai, the BJP state president, criticizing the ruling DMK party. Annamalai’s comments suggest that Tamil Nadu’s escalating drug issues have positioned it as the drug nexus of India, raising concerns about the state’s role in the larger drug trade circuit.
