Who is Jaffer Sadiq, ex-DMK member caught in global drugs trafficking case?

The NIA alleged that Jaffer Sadiq is the kingpin of the India-Australia-New Zealand drug trafficking network.

Published on: Mar 9, 2024, 17:15:04 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Saturday arrested Jaffer Sadiq, a former Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) functionary and Tamil movie producer, in connection with the ₹2,000 crore drug international drug trafficking network busted by the agency last month.

Former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq. (X/JafferSadiq)

NCB deputy director general (operations) Gyaneshwar Singh who confirmed Sadiq’s arrest said that he is the kingpin of the India-Australia-New Zealand drug trafficking network.

“Jaffer Sadiq spearheaded a network which sourced Pseudoephedrine in India and trafficked it to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia in the guide of food grade cargo. It is believed that the drug syndicate operated by him has sent 45 consignments over the past 3 years to various countries,” Singh said.

Over the last two weeks, opposition parties in Tamil Nadu have launched protests against Jaffer’s alleged involvement in the drugs racket.

Who is Jaffer Sadiq?

Jaffar Sadiq Abdul Rehman is a prominent movie producer who has produced or co-produced at least four movies. His fifth movie is set for release later this month. He is the founder of JSM Group of Companies.
Jaffer Sadiq entered into politics in 2010. He has been serving as the Chennai West deputy organiser of the DMK’s NRI wing.
The DMK expelled Jaffer Sadiq last Sunday without mentioning any reason. “Since reports said drug smuggling charges, we did not wait for action,” a senior DMK leader told HT, requesting anonymity.
The NIA is probing whether drug money was used in his production company. The agency alleges that his production company was a front to launder money.
“The accused (Jaffer Sadiq) earned huge amounts of money through drug trafficking and invested it in multiple industries like film, construction, hospitality etc,” the agency said.
According to the NIA, a Tamil film named 'Mangai' was "entirely funded" by Jaffer Sadiq from drug money. He also constructed a hotel in Chennai.
Sadiq allegedly used to get ₹1 lakh per kg "cut" (commission) from the smuggling of narcotics, according to the agency.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.