In a major operation, officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence have intercepted a significant drug-smuggling attempt at the Chennai airport. Acting on a tip-off, officers swiftly intercepted a container at Chennai port, conducted a raid and uncovered 112 kg of pseudoephedrine concealed in a shipping container filled with packets labeled as ‘Quartz’ powder. They found 37 packets of Pseudoephedrine, each weighing 3 kg, hidden beneath 37 bags of quartz powder.
This white crystalline powder, classified as a controlled substance under the Narcotics Act, is primarily used in the production of Methamphetamine, a synthetic drug. The estimated street value of the seized drugs at the Chennai port is ₹110 crore.
The narcotics were being smuggled to Australia via cargo ship. Authorities have arrested two port agents, Abu Tahir and Ahmed Pasha, under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, in connection with the smuggling operation. Authorities also seized two luxury cars linked to the suspects, along with ₹3.9 lakh in cash.
The Revenue Investigation Division is now interrogating both individuals to uncover the network behind the drug trafficking.
Investigations are ongoing to determine who orchestrated the smuggling operation and how the drugs were delivered to the port for shipment. Authorities have intensified the probe, focusing on identifying the key figures responsible for the operation.
In addition to tracking down those behind the trafficking, officials are also investigating whether any port authorities were complicit in the crime. If evidence of involvement is found, legal actions will be taken against those officials as well. A manhunt has been launched to apprehend all individuals connected to the case.
Earlier this month, another operation led to the recovery of 4 kg of Pseudoephedrine, valued at Rs 40 lakh, from Chennai airport, where it was concealed under trophies, also intended for export to Australia.
In August, the DRI dismantled a drug trafficking network, seizing 10.13 kg of Methamphetamine valued at Rs 50.65 crore from a vehicle in Chennai, resulting in the arrest of six individuals.
ரூ.110 கோடி மதிப்பு போதை பொருள் பறிமுதல் #Narcotic | #Harbor | #Arrest | #Chennaihttps://t.co/y4W3uzOopr pic.twitter.com/cHIDv8DMI5
— Dinamalar (@dinamalarweb) September 27, 2024
It is noteworthy to mention that earlier this year, Jaffer Sadiq, who was affiliated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and served as the Deputy Organiser for the Chennai West NRI Wing, was permanently expelled from the party on 25 February 2024 following the revelation of his involvement with a drug cartel. The case unraveled when authorities from New Zealand and Australia alerted Indian agencies about substantial drug smuggling in their countries, disguised as food products. The NCB was probing the possibility of drug money being used to fund films.
In February 2024, New Zealand customs and Australian police provided information about large amounts of pseudoephedrine, hidden in desiccated coconut powder, being shipped to both countries. Additional information from the US Drug Enforcement Administration pointed to Delhi as the source of the consignment.
An international drug trafficking network was broken up by a combined operation from the NCB and the Special Cell of Delhi Police, resulting in the seizure of at least 50 kg of Pseudoephedrine in Delhi.
Following extensive questioning, officials disclosed that 45 shipments containing roughly 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, worth over ₹2,000 crore in the international market, had been dispatched over the past three years.
According to the NCB, Sadiq is reportedly the mastermind behind the drug trafficking ring spanning India, Australia, and New Zealand. Sadiq, who has five film productions to his credit, allegedly operated a cartel that transported pseudoephedrine from India to Australia and New Zealand. Four individuals from Tamil Nadu were apprehended in a Delhi warehouse two weeks prior.
(With inputs from Malai Malar)
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