Former Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai has launched a scathing attack on the DMK-led state government, accusing it of turning a blind eye to what he calls an escalating drug crisis within the state. He alleged that Tamil Nadu is increasingly becoming a hotspot for narcotics trafficking, despite repeated warnings and seizures linked to drug smuggling operations.
Taking to his official X account, Annamalai highlighted recent incidents involving significant drug hauls in Gujarat. He pointed out that the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Indian Coast Guard recently intercepted over 311 kg of methamphetamine on 15 April 2025. The consignment, valued at ₹1,800 crore, was reportedly shipped from Pakistan’s Pasni port by a drug syndicate led by an individual named Fida, with Tamil Nadu cited as the intended destination after a mid-sea transfer.
He also recalled a similar incident in February of the last year, when the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) confiscated drugs worth ₹1,200 crore off Gujarat’s coast, allegedly bound for Tamil Nadu via a vessel from the state.
Annamalai criticized the ruling DMK for a history of inaction and alleged connections with criminal elements, even referencing the party’s alleged past sheltering of an international drug kingpin. He questioned the state government’s commitment to combating the narcotics menace and urged urgent intervention before the situation worsens.
Expressing his views on X, K. Annamalai stated, “Tamil Nadu has become a haven for drugs – a crisis unfolding under the very nose of the DMK state govt, which continues to live in wilful denial. In February last year, the NCB nabbed ₹1200 Crore worth of drugs off the coast of Gujarat, which was to be picked up by a vessel from Tamil Nadu. Yesterday, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Indian Coast Guard seized over 311 kg of methamphetamine worth ₹1800 Crore that was en route from Pakistan to Tamil Nadu. This large consignment was sent from Pakistan’s Pasni port by a Pakistan-based drugs mafia named Fida, moved to another boat mid-sea, and then transported to Tamil Nadu. What can we expect from DMK, a party that harbored an International Drug lord for years?”
Tamil Nadu has become a haven for drugs – a crisis unfolding under the very nose of the DMK state govt, which continues to live in wilful denial.
In February last year, the NCB nabbed ₹1200 Crore worth of drugs off the coast of Gujarat, which was to be picked up by a vessel…
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) April 15, 2025
Details of the Seizure: Massive Meth Consignment Bound for Tamil Nadu
The seizure Annamalai referenced was part of a major anti-narcotics operation conducted by the Gujarat ATS and the ICG on the night between 12 and 13 April 2025. Officials confirmed on 14th April that the confiscated substance was methamphetamine—commonly referred to as crystal meth or ‘ice’. The illicit shipment was intended to reach Tamil Nadu, ATS officials revealed.
@IndiaCoastGuard, in a joint operation with #Gujarat #ATS on the night of 12-13 Apr 25, seized 300 Kg narcotics worth Rs 1800 Cr off #IMBL near #Gujarat coast. On spotting #ICG ship, smugglers dumped contraband & fled across #IMBL. Consignment recovered at sea & handed to #ATS… pic.twitter.com/sxy7CG89Vq
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) April 14, 2025
The drugs, contained in 311 sealed, blue barrels designed to be waterproof and buoyant, were retrieved from the sea approximately 2 nautical miles inside Indian waters. According to authorities, the smugglers abandoned the consignment upon spotting an approaching ICG vessel and escaped by crossing over into Pakistan’s maritime boundary, avoiding capture.
DIG Sunil Joshi of Gujarat ATS stated during a press briefing that the operation was triggered by intelligence gathered by Inspector J.M. Patel, who received credible input about a mid-sea transfer of nearly 400 kg of narcotics. This information was swiftly shared with the Indian Coast Guard, enabling the interception attempt.
The intended recipient vessel was reportedly dispatched from Tamil Nadu, affirming the state’s role as the planned endpoint for the contraband. According to DIG Joshi, the drugs were sent by a Pakistan-based trafficker known by the call sign ‘Fidaa’, previously implicated in hashish smuggling into India.
Director General of Police Vikas Sahay also confirmed the operation in a post on X, stating that the ATS had credible intelligence about the smuggling attempt and worked in coordination with the Coast Guard to intercept the shipment. He noted that while the smugglers managed to escape, the narcotics were recovered and a formal investigation has been initiated.
A statement released by the Indian Coast Guard corroborated this account, adding that one of its ships—already on a multi-mission patrol—was redirected to intercept the suspected boat near the Indian Maritime Boundary Line. Upon spotting the Coast Guard vessel, the traffickers dumped the drugs and made their escape.
The consignment was later recovered and transported to Porbandar before being sent to Ahmedabad for further analysis and legal action.
Gujarat ATS: Combating Maritime Drug Smuggling
The Gujarat ATS has been consistently active in disrupting drug networks operating via maritime routes. In the past, the agency has tackled 20 such cases involving over 5,454 kg of narcotics, collectively valued at around ₹10,277 crore. So far, 163 individuals have been arrested in connection with these cases, including 77 Pakistani nationals, 34 Iranians, 4 Afghans, 2 Nigerians, and 46 Indian citizens.
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