Multiple Locations in Tamil Nadu Raided in Drug Money Laundering Investigation

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated raids across several cities in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, as part of an investigation into money laundering associated with drug trafficking. Former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq is a central figure in the probe.

Approximately 25 locations in Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli are currently under scrutiny by ED officials, accompanied by central paramilitary forces, acting under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The raids extend to properties belonging to Sadiq, who is also noted as a Tamil film producer, as well as film director Ameer and others implicated in the investigation.

Sadiq, aged 36, was apprehended by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) last month on charges related to the smuggling of around 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, with an estimated street value exceeding ₹2,000 crore.

Following the NCB’s case and additional FIRs, the Enforcement Directorate proceeded to initiate a money laundering inquiry against Sadiq and associated individuals.

The NCB has indicated Sadiq’s connections with financiers in Tamil and Hindi cinema, as well as certain “high-profile” individuals and instances of “political funding,” as subjects of scrutiny.

Sadiq faced expulsion from the ruling DMK in February, subsequent to his association with the drugs network being brought to light by the NCB.