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Chennai: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Tuesday in multiple cities across Tamil Nadu as part of an investigation into a drugs trafficking-linked money laundering case involving former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq and others. According to officials, the raids covered 25 premises in the state capital Chennai, as well as in Madurai and Tiruchirappalli. Accompanied by central paramilitary forces, the raids were conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The premises of Jaffer Sadiq, a former DMK functionary and a Tamil film producer, were among those searched.
Film director Ameer and several others were also covered in the raids.
Jaffer Sadiq, 36, was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) last month for his alleged involvement in a significant drug smuggling operation. The NCB estimated the street value of the seized pseudoephedrine to be over Rs 2,000 crore.
The ED initiated a money laundering case against Sadiq and others based on the NCB’s case and other FIRs related to the drug trafficking network.
The NCB has indicated that Jaffer Sadiq’s connections with Tamil and Hindi film financiers, as well as some “high-profile” individuals, are under scrutiny.Instances of “political funding” are also reportedly being investigated by the NCB.
Jaffer Sadiq was expelled from the ruling DMK party in February after the NCB mentioned his name in connection with the drug network.
The ED raids are part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged drug trafficking and money laundering activities involving Jaffer Sadiq and others.The agency continues its efforts to uncover details of the illicit network and its various connections.
These raids mark a significant step in the investigation, shedding light on the nexus between drug trafficking and financial crimes in Tamil Nadu.
