DMK Dismisses Party Functionary Linked to International Drug Racket

Coimbatore: In a recent development that has rocked the political and cinematic spheres of Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has officially dismissed a party functionary implicated in a massive international drug trafficking operation. The expelled member, who is also a film producer, was allegedly involved in smuggling activities amounting to around ₹2,000 crore.

The party released a statement on 25 February 2024, asserting that the functionary's actions had dishonored the organization's principles, leading to his immediate and permanent expulsion from all party positions, including the basic membership. The DMK emphasized that all party members are prohibited from maintaining any form of contact with the expelled individual.

This stringent action was taken after the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) uncovered a drug racket involving pseudoephedrine smuggling disguised within shipments of desiccated coconut powder and health mixes destined for international markets, including Australia and New Zealand.

The party functionary, who produced a Tamil film under the banner of JSM Pictures, has been identified as A.R. Jaffer Sadiq. He is alleged to have played a crucial role in the racket that operated out of Delhi and Tamil Nadu, dispatching at least 45 consignments over three years, totaling 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine.

Sadiq's close associations with various DMK officials and his contributions to the party and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund have come under scrutiny following the revelations of his alleged involvement in drug trafficking.

The expulsion comes as law enforcement agencies intensify their search for Sadiq and his accomplices, with coordinated efforts underway with international authorities to dismantle the drug network and arrest those involved.

The DMK, has distanced itself now from the scandal, highlighting its stance against illegal activities and drug trafficking.