On specific intelligence developed, NCB today arrested Jaffer Sadiq, the kingpin of the drug trafficking network busted by NCB in February 2024. Jaffer Sadiq absconded and on the run since 15th February 2024 when NCB seized 50.070kg of Pseudoephedrine from the godown of a firm named Aventa Company and arrested three accomplices of Jaffer Sadiq in this connection. Pseudoephedrine is used to make methamphetamine which is the highest drug in demand worldwide.
NCB had mounted intense efforts to track down Jaffer Sadiq after he had gone absconding after the seizure of 50.070kg of Pseudoephedrine from three of his accomplices by the Operations Branch of NCB and Special Cell of Delhi Police. NCB was able to track him down and he was arrested in Delhi today i.e. 09/03/2024.
Jaffer Sadiq spearheaded a network that sourced Pseudoephedrine in India and trafficked it to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia in the guide of food-grade cargo. It is believed that the drug syndicate operated by him has sent 45 consignments over the past 3 years to various countries, containing approximately 3500 kilograms of pseudoephedrine.
Jaffer Sadiq has revealed that he has earned a huge amount of money from his illicit drug trafficking operations and has invested the same in legitimate businesses in industries like film, construction, hospitality, etc. His financial linkages w.r.t. to drug trafficking are under investigation to identify his sources of funds and the beneficiaries of the proceeds of drugs. The investigations are still underway, and more details will be revealed soon.
Pseudoephedrine is a precursor chemical that is used in the manufacture of Methamphetamine, a dangerous and highly addictive synthetic drug. Even though it has some legal uses, it is classified as a controlled substance in India, bringing strict regulation on its production, possession, trade, export, and use. Illegal possession and trade are punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment under the NDPS Act, of 1985.