News Tamil Nadu

Dinamalar Report Says 850 Police Officers Allegedly Complicit In Drug Trafficking In TN, BJP TN Slams Dravidian Model And Demands Accountability From CM Stalin

September 20, 2024
The Commune

In a shocking revelation, the Tamil Nadu Intelligence Department has compiled a list of 850 police officials allegedly involved in drug trafficking. The list, handed over to Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal, has sent ripples through the state’s law enforcement ranks. The involvement of policemen in the drug trade has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and the central government, placing immense pressure on the Tamil Nadu administration.

The state has been grappling with the growing issue of drug smuggling, with narcotics being trafficked in from both foreign countries and other Indian states. Reports indicate that not only young adults but also school students are falling prey to drug addiction, contributing to a surge in crime across the region.

Both the central government and courts have expressed their dissatisfaction with Tamil Nadu’s handling of the drug crisis. The Madras High Court judges recently demanded a comprehensive report from the state government detailing the measures taken to combat drug trafficking. Judges voiced concern that the government’s response thus far has lacked seriousness, calling for urgent and effective action.

In response to mounting pressure, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has vowed to take decisive steps, setting a “Drug-Free Tamil Nadu” target. He convened high-level consultations with police authorities and ordered the formation of a new task force by merging the Narcotics Intelligence Unit and the Prohibition Enforcement Wing. This unit aims to crack down on drug smuggling in all its forms.

The unit has already made substantial progress. Last year, it conducted statewide operations that led to the arrest of 22,447 drug dealers and the seizure of 42,337 kg of ganja, 1.234 kg of heroin, 74,412 narcotic pills, and 223 kg of other substances. So far this year, 4,522 cases have been registered, resulting in the arrest of 7,123 individuals and the confiscation of 11,081 kg of ganja and 74,016 pills.

Despite these efforts, critics argue that the government’s actions have focused primarily on arresting small-time dealers, while larger drug networks remain untouched. Allegations of police collusion with drug gangs have gained traction, as several law enforcement officers have been implicated in high-profile cases. In one instance, Sridhar, a constable from the Race Course Police Station in Coimbatore, was arrested for assisting drug traffickers and receiving ₹1.60 lakh in bribes. Similarly, Erode Cyber Crime Sub-Inspector Mahendran was apprehended for aiding a notorious ganja dealer in Coimbatore.

The complicity of police officers has drawn widespread outrage, particularly after incidents like the raid in Nagapattinam, where 400 kg of ganja worth ₹4 crore, bound for Sri Lanka, was seized. Photos surfaced of Nagai Inspector Periyasamy dining with members of the same smuggling gang he had supposedly targeted, fueling public distrust.

As intelligence efforts intensified, the 850-name list emerged, prompting swift action at the highest levels of government. A top official remarked, “Drug trafficking is a crime that destabilizes the country and destroys future generations. We have advised the government to take strict action against the guilty, setting an example for others.”

Amid this crackdown, police raids targeting students have been conducted statewide. In Katangulathur, near Chennai, over 500 officers raided private hostels and residences around a well-known college, confiscating ganja and gutka. A similar operation in Neelampur, near Coimbatore, involved 200 officers who seized drugs and weapons, including knives and sickles, from students’ homes.

In Chennai’s Perumbakkam area, where more than 20,000 families reside in Urban Habitat Development Board housing, 300 officers raided 1,400 homes to investigate drug distribution.

A joint raid by the State Narcotics Control Unit and Railway Police at Chennai Central Railway Station has, however, been met with skepticism, with critics calling it a mere formality.

BJP TN Slams DMK Govt, Asks Accountability From CM Stalin

The Tamil Nadu BJP has launched a fierce attack on Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and his government, alleging that 850 police officers and government officials are complicit in drug trafficking networks. These revelations, reportedly from the Tamil Nadu Intelligence Department, have sparked outrage, with the BJP accusing the ruling DMK of mismanagement and failing to combat the escalating drug problem in the state.

The controversy began when reports emerged suggesting that numerous police officers, tasked with enforcing law and order, were allegedly involved in facilitating drug crimes. The BJP criticized Stalin’s administration, claiming that the so-called “Dravidian model” has led to governance failure, as drug trafficking and violent crimes have surged since the DMK came to power. They highlighted the detrimental impact on young people, particularly school and college students, many of whom have fallen victim to drug abuse.

The BJP condemned the alleged complicity of law enforcement officers, describing it as a betrayal of public trust and a “dark” situation for Tamil Nadu. They questioned the integrity of a system where officers are reportedly accepting commissions from drug lords. In a direct appeal to Stalin, the BJP demanded accountability for the allegedly corrupt officers and immediate action against them, warning that mere transfers would not suffice.

The party called for decisive measures to protect Tamil Nadu’s youth and criticized the government’s responses as “meaningless raids” and empty promises. They also referenced the Madras High Court’s concerns over the government’s handling of the drug crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for transparency and stronger enforcement. The BJP’s statement reflects rising public alarm regarding the state’s drug epidemic and corruption within its law enforcement agencies.

(With inputs from Dinamalar)

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