ED conducts raids in Chennai and Madurai over alleged Rs 258 crore international drug smuggling network

Rashmi Pandey — Tue, 26 May 2026 11:17:57 +0000

The Enforcement Directorate on Tuesday carried out search operations at five locations across Chennai and Madurai in connection with an alleged international drug smuggling syndicate accused of trafficking narcotics to Sri Lanka through sea routes.

Officials said the cartel was allegedly involved in smuggling massive quantities of hashish and methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE drugs, with the estimated market value of the seized narcotics crossing ₹258 crore.

According to investigators, the syndicate was linked to the smuggling of nearly 99 kilograms of hashish, estimated to be worth around ₹108 crore, and 37.5 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at approximately ₹150 crore in the illegal international narcotics market.

The raids were launched as part of an ongoing money laundering and narcotics trafficking investigation involving cross-border smuggling networks operating along India’s southern coastline.

Officials stated that the drugs were allegedly intended to be transported to Sri Lanka through maritime routes, which have increasingly come under surveillance by Indian agencies amid rising concerns over international smuggling operations in the Indian Ocean region.

Search operations were conducted at multiple premises suspected to be linked with individuals associated with the syndicate. ED teams were assisted by other central and state agencies during the coordinated operation.

Authorities said investigators are examining financial transactions, digital evidence, property records and possible hawala links connected to the drug trafficking network.

The latest crackdown comes amid heightened efforts by Indian agencies to dismantle international narcotics supply chains using coastal routes for illegal trafficking of drugs, gold and contraband materials.

Methamphetamine, also referred to as ICE or crystal meth, is considered one of the most dangerous synthetic narcotics due to its high addictive potential and rising demand in illegal international markets. Hashish trafficking through maritime routes has also remained a major concern for enforcement agencies in South Asia.

Officials suspect the network may have links extending beyond Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, with investigators probing possible international connections and financing channels associated with the cartel.

The Enforcement Directorate has in recent years intensified investigations into narcotics-related money laundering cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), particularly those involving organised crime syndicates and cross-border trafficking operations.

Security agencies have repeatedly warned about the increasing use of sea routes for smuggling activities due to the vast coastline and difficulty in monitoring maritime movement continuously.

No arrests had been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, though officials indicated that questioning and further searches may continue as the investigation progresses.

The ED is expected to release additional details regarding the seized materials, financial trail and identities of those under investigation in the coming days.

drug smuggling | Business Upturn

ED conducts raids in Chennai and Madurai over alleged Rs 258 crore international drug smuggling network