Vinod Bhat
The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has successfully apprehended Jaffer Sadiq, the kingpin behind an international drug trafficking network that was recently dismantled by the agency. The network spans across India, New Zealand, Australia, and Malaysia.
Sadiq, who used his drug trafficking profits to invest in various industries such as film, construction, and hospitality, was taken into custody in connection with the seizure of 50kg of Pseudoephedrine in Delhi.
This arrest is a testament to the exceptional cooperation between the NCB and other law enforcement agencies. The NCB is actively working with authorities in New Zealand and Australia to dismantle the entire transnational network.
Following specific intelligence, the NCB was able to track down and apprehend Sadiq, who had been on the run since mid-February, when the NCB seized 50.070kg of Pseudoephedrine from a godown owned by the Aventa Company. Three of Sadiq’s associates were arrested at the time.
Pseudoephedrine is a highly sought-after component in the production of methamphetamine, a globally in-demand drug.
The NCB, in collaboration with the Operations Branch and Special Cell of the Delhi Police, diligently pursued the capture of Sadiq. Eventually, he was caught in Delhi on March 9, 2024.
Sadiq led a network that sourced Pseudoephedrine from India and trafficked it as food-grade cargo to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. It is estimated that this syndicate has dispatched 45 shipments totaling approximately 3,500 kilograms of pseudoephedrine over the past three years.
During his interrogation, Sadiq confessed to amassing significant wealth from his illicit drug operations. Additionally, he disclosed having reinvested these proceeds into legitimate enterprises in the film, construction, and hospitality industries. Authorities are currently investigating Sadiq’s financial connections related to drug trafficking, aiming to uncover the sources of his funds and the beneficiaries.
Pseudoephedrine is categorized as a precursor chemical for the production of methamphetamine, a highly addictive synthetic drug. While it has some legal applications, its possession, trade, export, and use are strictly regulated in India. Under the NDPS Act of 1985, illegal possession and trade of Pseudoephedrine can lead to imprisonment for up to 10 years. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be disclosed in due course.
