One of the most alarming developments under the DMK’s current administration has been the proliferation of drug-related crimes, not just in the streets, but disturbingly, among the party’s own ranks. While the state claims progress in law and order, what’s evident on the ground is a parallel rise in the visibility, availability, and audacity of narcotics trafficking.
A pattern has emerged where several DMK-linked figures have been directly involved in large-scale smuggling and peddling of banned substances. Below are key cases highlighting how deep this rot has spread and why DMK is constantly referred to as “Drug Mafia Kazhagam”.
Jaffer Sadiq – Former Deputy Organizer, DMK NRI Wing (Chennai West)
Jaffer Sadiq, a Tamil film producer and once a rising DMK figure, was exposed as the kingpin of a transnational drug syndicate trafficking pseudoephedrine to Australia and New Zealand. His arrest followed a multi-agency probe after alerts from international drug enforcement agencies. Authorities uncovered that Sadiq had masterminded the concealment of these substances in food exports such as desiccated coconut powder. Over three years, approximately 3,500 kilograms of pseudoephedrine, valued at over ₹2,000 crore, were smuggled abroad under his watch. Following these revelations, he was expelled from the DMK in February 2024.
Syed Ibrahim – DMK Minority Wing Vice President (Ramanathapuram)
Another high-profile embarrassment for the ruling party came in July 2024 when Syed Ibrahim was arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau for trafficking nearly ₹70 crore worth of methamphetamine. The drugs, intercepted in Chennai, were allegedly being routed through Ramanathapuram for delivery to Sri Lanka. Acting under pressure, the DMK expelled Ibrahim from the party, but not before public outrage highlighted the growing entanglement of party officials in cross-border narcotics operations.
Subash Chandra Bose – Alangulam DMK Panchayat Union Councillor
In April 2024, Subash Chandra Bose, a local DMK councillor in Tenkasi, was caught during a vehicle check transporting 600 kilograms of gutka, a banned substance in Tamil Nadu. Despite being the husband of a sitting district panchayat president, he was arrested and later removed from all party responsibilities after his actions drew public ire.
Balamurugan – Treasurer, Srivilliputhur DMK City Unit
Authorities in Srivilliputhur arrested Balamurugan, a DMK functionary, for hoarding and distributing banned gutka and pan masala. His arrest followed a crackdown where police seized 42 kilograms of illicit tobacco products from his home. These items were allegedly supplied in bulk to local vendors.
Mahalingam – Panchayat President, Nagapattinam
Mahalingam, known as “Bullet Mahalingam,” was apprehended after a drug shipment linked to his name was intercepted in Delhi. Although no drugs were found at his residence, his name surfaced repeatedly during questioning of couriers connected to a banned synthetic drug racket. He and Alex, a DMK Union Committee member and Mahalingam’s son, were arrested and handed over to the National Narcotics Bureau.
Maniraj – DMK Student Wing Member, Gudalur
In the Nilgiris district, Maniraj, an auto driver and DMK student wing member, was arrested after police found 1.2 kilograms of ganja in his vehicle. His arrest stemmed from an intensive surveillance campaign in areas notorious for cannabis trade.
Sarbraz Nawaz & Jainuddin – Councillor and Former Councillor, Keezhakarai
In a high-stakes operation in 2022, 300 kilograms of ganja bound for Sri Lanka were seized by police, leading to the arrest of Sarbraz Nawaz, a sitting DMK councillor, and his brother Jainuddin. Both were suspected to be part of a broader international drug network using Tamil Nadu’s coast as a transit hub.
Lakshmanan – DMK Functionary, Nagapattinam
In a sweeping anti-narcotics drive, police detained Lakshmanan from Kodiyakkarai for possession of 300 kilograms of cannabis, intended for smuggling to Sri Lanka. He was one of six individuals arrested in connection with this case.
Ramana – Thiruvarur District DMK Youth Wing co-convener
Ramana, the son of DMK councillor Rajini Chinna alias Chinna Veeran, currently serving as the Thiruvarur District DMK Youth Wing co-convener, has been apprehended by the police for his alleged involvement in smuggling cannabis.
The arrest, which took place amid a surge in concerns over the flourishing cannabis trade in Thiruvarur district, has raised eyebrows about the purported connections between the DMK and the illicit drug market. Ramana, hailing from the 24th ward of the municipality, was taken into custody in connection with the illegal transportation and sale of cannabis.
Locals in the region have long been vocal in accusing a gang with purportedly connected to the DMK of actively facilitating the distribution of cannabis throughout Thiruvarur district. Allegations have surfaced indicating that this faction, allegedly led by Ramana’s father, has been instrumental in thwarting police efforts to crack down on cannabis trade. The authorities are intensifying their efforts to dismantle the gang involved in the sale of cannabis.
Despite repeated arrests and subsequent dismissals from the party, critics argue that the sheer number of drug-related scandals involving DMK officials points not to isolated cases, but a deeper structural failure, or worse, silent complicity. While the DMK high command has issued expulsions post-facto, public perception suggests the rot runs far deeper than the party is willing to admit. In an environment where political access and drug networks increasingly overlap, trust in law enforcement, governance, and public safety continues to erode.
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