The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of India has arrested Jaffer Sadiq, the alleged mastermind behind a sprawling international drug trafficking network. This network, as revealed by the NCB, spanned across India, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia.
Sadiq, who was on the run since February 15, 2024, was captured on Saturday, marking a crucial victory in the fight against global drug syndicates.
Deputy Director General of the NCB, Gyaneshwar Singh, announced the arrest during a press conference, detailing how the agency had developed specific intelligence that led to Sadiq’s capture.
This arrest comes in the wake of a February operation where the NCB seized 50.70 kg of Pseudoephedrine, a precursor chemical used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, from a godown belonging to Aventa Company. This seizure led to the arrest of three of Sadiq’s accomplices, shedding light on the scale and reach of his operations.
Sadiq is accused of spearheading a network that trafficked Pseudoephedrine under the guise of food-grade cargo to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. This network is believed to have sent approximately 45 consignments containing around 3500 kilograms of Pseudoephedrine over the past three years.
The NCB, in collaboration with New Zealand and Australian authorities, is working to dismantle the entirety of this transnational operation.
The coordinated raids conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the Delhi Police’s special cell were initiated following intelligence received from Australian and New Zealand authorities towards the end of 2023.
These authorities alerted the Indian agencies to “large quantities” of Pseudoephedrine being smuggled into their countries, disguised within desiccated coconut powder and mixed food powder. Further information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) pinpointed the origin of these shipments to India’s capital.
Gyaneshwar Singh of the NCB revealed that Sadiq is suspected of channelling the profits from his alleged drug trafficking operations into various legitimate businesses, including film production, real estate, and hospitality sectors.
The DDG disclosed that the accused completely financed a Tamil movie, “Mangai,” using proceeds from drug trafficking. Additionally, he funded the construction of a hotel in Chennai.
The NCB is now probing his financial transactions to trace the sources of his funds and the beneficiaries of his drug trafficking proceeds. This inquiry has also unearthed potential connections to political funding, with further investigations underway.
The arrest has sparked widespread attention, particularly in the context of Sadiq’s alleged affiliations with the DMK party.
and donated 2 lacs towards the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Relief Fund
Bharatiya Janata Party Tamil Nadu President K Annamalia has called for a comprehensive investigation to expose and dismantle Sadiq’s network, highlighting concerns about money laundering and the flow of drugs under the DMK regime.
It is also alleged that Sadiq developed connections in Australia and New Zealand via the NRI Wing of the DMK party. Authorities are investigating his visits to Australia and New Zealand to find his local connections in terms of investments made in real estate and other businesses.
Pseudoephedrine, while having legal uses, is strictly regulated in India due to its potential for abuse in the production of methamphetamine. Offences related to its illegal possession and trade carry severe penalties, including up to ten years of imprisonment under the NDPS Act, 1985.
The NCB’s ongoing investigations aim to reveal further details about this international drug trafficking operation, with the agency also scrutinising Sadiq’s connections within the Tamil film industry and Bollywood.
On his social media profile, hundreds of pictures can be found that show his circle of influence from film stars, politicians and even senior police officers of Tamil Nadu state.
This case underscores the complex challenges facing law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing these global threats.
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