Chennai: Expelled DMK functionary and film producer Jaffar Sadiq has been granted bail by the Madras High Court in connection with a money laundering case. He was arrested in March 2024 by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) for allegedly running an international drug trafficking syndicate, reported the Newsminute.
Justice Sundar Mohan, while granting bail on April 21, emphasized that prolonged pre-trial detention goes against constitutional values and fundamental human rights. He reiterated the principle that “bail is the rule and jail is the exception,” even in cases registered under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had filed a detailed 250-page chargesheet in November 2024, outlining Jaffar’s role in an international drug ring that spanned over a decade. According to the ED, he laundered illicit profits through film productions and businesses such as dry fruit exports and real estate.
Investigations revealed that Jaffar was involved in smuggling ketamine and pseudoephedrine to countries including Malaysia, Australia, and New Zealand. At the time of his arrest, the NCB had recovered 50 kg of pseudoephedrine connected to him. Additional seizures included over 38 kg of ketamine and another 50 kg of pseudoephedrine by Chennai Customs.
The ED also claimed that Jaffar invested at least ₹6.3 crore from drug profits into film projects, while ₹33 crore was traced to accounts held by him and his family. The chargesheet also named actor-director Ameer Sulthan and several of Jaffar’s family members—including his wife, father, and brothers—as co-accused.
