Crime
International Narcotics Syndicate Under Scanner After Chennai Searches
The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at five locations across Chennai and Madurai in connection with an alleged international drug smuggling syndicate linked to narcotics trafficking through sea routes to Sri Lanka.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday carried out search operations at five locations in Chennai and Madurai as part of a money laundering investigation linked to a major international drug smuggling syndicate.
The probe is being conducted under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on criminal complaints registered by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) against accused John Britto and others.
The complaints were filed under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act) and the Customs Act.
According to the ED, the syndicate is allegedly involved in smuggling large quantities of narcotic substances, including 99 kilograms of hashish valued at approximately ₹108 crore and more than 37 kilograms of methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, estimated to be worth ₹150 crore.
Investigators suspect the narcotics were being smuggled to Sri Lanka through maritime routes. Authorities are probing the financial trail, overseas links and operational network of the syndicate as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case highlights growing concerns over transnational narcotics trafficking networks using coastal routes in southern India for international drug smuggling operations.
