ED Raids 18 Properties in Chennai, Nagapattinam in Drug Smuggling Probe

Enforcement Directorate officials have carried out searches at 18 properties across Chennai, Nagapattinam, and Ramanathapuram linked to three accused in narcotics and drug-smuggling cases investigated by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The operations form part of a broader crackdown spanning south India.

In Chennai and Nagapattinam, the agency's Zone 1 team searched at least 10 properties associated with two accused individuals, Nizaruddin and Syed. Both men were previously arrested by the NCB in connection with drug-smuggling cases, and the searches extended to properties owned by their relatives.

Simultaneously, the ED's Zone 2 team based in Chennai conducted searches at eight locations in Nagapattinam linked to a third accused, Alex Mahalingam. Mahalingam was arrested by the NCB in April last year after authorities allegedly found him in possession of one kilogram of amphetamine. Officials noted that he also faces multiple pending cases registered in Velankanni and Keelaiyur.

According to ED sources, the accused individuals allegedly built luxury bungalows and purchased several properties registered under the names of their relatives and friends. The central agency is investigating whether these real estate holdings and assets were acquired using the proceeds of crime generated from illegal drug trafficking and subsequent money laundering.

The searches are ongoing as financial investigators examine property documents and transactions connected to the suspects and their associates across the state.