NCB arrests Jaffer Sadiq, kingpin of international drug trafficking network

The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) arrested Jaffer Sadiq, the mastermind behind an international drug trafficking network recently dismantled by the agency. Sadiq is believed to be the leader of a network spanning across India, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia. He has allegedly amassed substantial wealth through drug trafficking and invested it in various sectors including film, construction, and hospitality.

Gyaneshwar Singh, Deputy Director General of NCB, announced the arrest, stating that Sadiq had been on the run since February 15, following the seizure of 50.70 kg of Pseudoephedrine from a godown belonging to a firm named Aventa Company. Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient used in the production of methamphetamine, a highly sought-after drug globally.

NCB had been actively pursuing Sadiq after the seizure and subsequent arrest of three of his associates in connection with the drug trafficking network. Sadiq was apprehended in Delhi on March 9, following a coordinated effort between NCB and the Special Cell of Delhi Police.

According to Gyaneshwar Singh, Sadiq’s network was responsible for sourcing Pseudoephedrine from India and smuggling it to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia under the guise of food-grade cargo. The syndicate is believed to have dispatched approximately 45 consignments over the past three years, totaling around 3500 kilograms of Pseudoephedrine. NCB is collaborating with authorities in New Zealand and Australia to dismantle the entire transnational network.

Sadiq has reportedly confessed to amassing significant wealth from his illicit activities and investing it in legitimate businesses across various industries. NCB is currently investigating the financial aspects of his drug trafficking operations to trace the sources of his funds and identify the beneficiaries.

In addition to his drug-related activities, Sadiq’s connections to political funding are also under scrutiny. NCB is conducting a thorough investigation into these allegations to uncover any links between Sadiq and political figures.

Pseudoephedrine is a controlled substance in India due to its use as a precursor chemical in the manufacture of Methamphetamine. Possession, trade, and export of Pseudoephedrine without proper authorization are punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment under the NDPS Act, 1985.

The investigation has also revealed links to individuals in the Tamil film industry and Bollywood. NCB is continuing its probe into these connections to unravel the full extent of the network.