Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai criticised the ruling DMK government for ignoring a high-profile drug trafficking and money laundering case, in which the ED arrested Mohammed Saleem, brother of a dismissed DMK functionary, Jaffer Sadiq. It was discovered that Saleem accumulated over ₹8 crore in illegal cash deposits in these drug operations.
ED detains Saleem
Mohammed Saleem, former deputy secretary of the Central Chennai zone in Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the sibling of a dismissed DMK functionary, Jaffer Sadiq, was detained by the ED in connection with a money laundering investigation.
The ED, in its official X account, stated, “ED, Chennai has made a significant arrest in the ongoing investigation into high-profile drug smuggling and money laundering. Mohammed Saleem has been arrested under the provisions of PMLA, 2002, for his involvement in laundering proceeds linked to the Jaffer Sadiq case.”
ED, Chennai has made a significant arrest in the ongoing investigation into high-profile drug smuggling and money laundering. Mohammed Saleem has been arrested under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 for his involvement in laundering proceeds linked to the Jaffer Sadiq case.
— ED (@dir_ed) August 13, 2024
Sadiq, previously arrested by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for involvement in international drug trafficking, was taken into custody at Tihar Jail in New Delhi in June as part of the investigation into drug-related money laundering. The ED’s latest action follows an NCB investigation that identified Sadiq as the mastermind behind an elaborate scheme to smuggle pseudoephedrine disguised as health-mix powder and desiccated coconut to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. This case also builds on prior customs seizures.
Details about the case
The ED’s investigation revealed that Mohammed Saleem, in collaboration with Jaffer Sadiq, played a crucial role in exporting and concealing pseudoephedrine and other narcotics. Saleem, involved in various companies and entities, used these platforms to launder and layer the illicit proceeds. It was discovered that Saleem accumulated over ₹8 crore in illegal cash deposits across several accounts he controlled.
Saleem employed money laundering tactics such as using financial intermediaries and fictitious loans to obscure the origins of this cash. Additionally, he channelled drug trafficking proceeds into real estate investments and purchased luxury items, including a Jaguar. His amassed wealth, in sharp contrast to his declared income, highlights the extent of his involvement in the criminal network.
Saleem appeared before a local court on 13 August 2024, where Principal Sessions Judge S Alli remanded him to judicial custody until 27th of August. The ED has also requested 15 days of custody for Saleem. The judge has ordered a notice regarding the agency’s request and scheduled a further hearing for the next day.
BJP shames DMK for ignoring the drug menace
In this context, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai has slammed the ruling DMK government for its ignorance regarding these developments, and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin should recognize that these incidents are not marks of honour but rather a disgrace to the state.
Annamalai via his official X account stated, “The DMK Government in Tamil Nadu had no idea till the NCB identified the Drug Kingpin and DMK functionary Jaffar Sadiq, for smuggling Pseudoephedrine, who was operating right under their noses and a frequent visitor to their party headquarters. Today, his brother & VCK functionary Mohammed Salim has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate for his involvement in international drug trafficking and profiting through it. Recently, a DMK functionary, Ibrahim, was arrested by NCB for smuggling 70 Crore worth of methamphetamine. TN CM Thiru@mkstalin should realise that these are not badges of honour but a disgrace to the state.“
The DMK Government in Tamil Nadu had no idea till the NCB identified the Drug Kingpin and DMK functionary Jaffar Sadiq, for smuggling Pseudoephedrine, who was operating right under their noses and a frequent visitor to their party headquarters.
Today, his brother & VCK… pic.twitter.com/viJFMR8NOI
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) August 13, 2024
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