Drug smuggling case: Jaffer Sadiq's accomplice Sadha arrested by NCB

CHENNAI: As part of the ongoing probe linked to the arrest of TN film producer and expelled DMK man Jaffer Sadiq, the NCB has arrested a man named Sada alias Sadanandan, who is believed to be a close confident of Jaffer Sadiq, from his house in Teynampet on Wednesday. He was later taken to Delhi by the NCB team for a detailed enquiry.

Sadha, a key aide of Jaffer Sadiq, the alleged kingpin of a transnational narcotics trafficking ring, has been handling the logistics of his master's operation. "The drug cartel was having a logistical support system in Trichy and Chennai, " sources said and indicated that Sadha was in charge of handling packaging of drugs and transportation.

According to the report, Sadha's detention is a crucial breakthrough for the NCB, as he was allegedly overseeing Sadiq's businesses and logistics. Officials are hoping that he could provide them information about other people involved in the racket, it added. "He could throw more light on the procurement and distribution system of Jaffer Sadiq, " sources added.

He is the fifth person to be arrested, besides Sadiq and three people part of his alleged racket.

Sadha's arrest comes a day after look-out notices were issued against Sadiq's brothers Salim and Moideen.

Jaffer Sadiq was in the news because of his links with DMK leaders and Kollywood celebrities.

Sadiq, his brothers and Sadha were allegedly involved in sending 45 consignments containing pseudoephedrine to Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia over the last three years. The total quantity of drugs is estimated to be about 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine, valued at more than Rs 2,000 crores.