In a significant move aimed at addressing the escalating drug crisis in Tamil Nadu, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami, alongside senior party leaders, submitted a petition to Governor R N Ravi at Raj Bhavan. The petition underscored the urgent need for action to combat the surging drug menace gripping the state.Palaniswami articulated the mounting public concern over the recent arrest of former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq in connection with an international drug trafficking case. Expressing the expectations of the people, Palaniswami called for the resignation of Chief Minister M K Stalin and Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin in light of these developments.
Accompanied by AIADMK leaders, Palaniswami underscored the severity of the situation, highlighting reports linking the illicit proceeds from drug trafficking to potential funding of election expenses by the DMK. He alleged that Jaffer Sadiq, the central figure in the drug cartel, had funnelled funds to DMK functionaries, including contributions to Udhayanidhi’s trust and expenditures on various ventures like film production and hospitality.
Moreover, Palaniswami emphasized that the arrest of Jaffer Sadiq by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in 2019 was indicative of the longstanding issue of drug trafficking in the state. He pointed out that the case shed light on the entrenched nature of the problem, spanning several years.
Following the submission of the petition, Governor R N Ravi acknowledged the gravity of the situation, affirming the findings of central agencies regarding the infiltration of international drug cartels operating within Tamil Nadu. He echoed concerns over the prevalence of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the state, as evidenced by recent interdictions and apprehensions made by enforcement agencies.
In response to the unfolding crisis, the Governor assured that necessary measures would be taken to address the menace.