The Enforcement Directorate (ED) started to raid multiple places across Tamil Nadu in connection with a drugs trafficking-related money laundering investigation involving ex-DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq and others on Tuesday. The ED officials searched 25 locations including Chennai, Madurai and Trichy accompanied by an escort of central paramilitary forces under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
According to ANI, "Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids at various locations in Tamil Nadu as part of an investigation into drug-related money laundering involving former DMK member Jaffer Sadiq and others."
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An ED official said, Tamil film producer Sadiq, film director Ameer and a few others' premises were raided.
In Delhi, Ameer was questioned by NCB last week.
Last month, Sadiq, aged 36, was apprehended by the NCB on suspicion of participating in the trafficking of approximately 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, valued at over Rs 2,000 crore.
Subsequently, ED initiated proceedings against Sadiq and others based on the NCB's case and several other FIRs.
The NCB disclosed its investigation into Sadiq's connections with financiers from Tamil and Hindi film industries alongside individuals of "high-profile" status and instances of potential "political funding."
Sadiq was reportedly the kingpin of a network that sourced pseudoephedrine in India and trafficked the drug to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. The drug syndicate operated under the alleged guidance of food-grade cargo and it sent 45 consignments in the past three years.
Meanwhile, Sadiq was expelled from the ruling DMK party in February following the NCB's mention of his involvement in the drug network.