In a sweeping operation that stretched across four southern states, the Enforcement Directorate descended on 30 locations Thursday, targeting the financial networks fueling narcotics trafficking. The coordinated searches—spanning Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana—mark one of the agency’s most significant crackdowns in the region, all unfolding under the shadow of the national Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

Key facts

  • Searches conducted at 30 locations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana
  • Linked to eight separate narcotics-related cases
  • Operation part of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan initiative
  • Searches carried out under Prevention of Money Laundering Act

The Tamil Nadu Connection

Much of the operation zeroed in on Tamil Nadu, where investigators traced sophisticated networks moving drugs and money across borders. In one case, Sri Lankan nationals N. Ajanthan and K. Madhushan were intercepted in June 2024 with 1.47 kg of methamphetamine. Just days later, authorities seized over ₹1.29 crore in cash, $30,000, and Sri Lankan rupees from K. Krishna Kumari in Chennai—money allegedly connected to meth sales in Sri Lanka.

The mechanisms were disturbingly organized. “The mechanism was supervised remotely, with instructions relayed through the ‘Sacha’ WhatsApp group, and cash delivered against currency note tokens,” an official revealed. The ED searched properties in Chennai and Ramanathapuram connected to these operations.

Beyond State Lines

While Tamil Nadu featured prominently, the operation’s reach extended further. In Karnataka, the agency probed Mruthyunjaya alias Jayanna, apprehended in 2022 with hashish oil and ganja worth approximately ₹80 lakh. Telangana’s case involved Kalapathi Nithu Bai and family, accused of running an organized syndicate that procured ganja from Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, repackaged it, and sold it across Hyderabad.

Kerala saw action too. Ayush Vinod was arrested with over 1 kg of hybrid ganja, while another 15 kg was found at his residence. His associate Harikrishnan V.B. worked with Abu Tahir P.B., who managed the trafficking network. In a separate case, Ligiesh was intercepted arriving from Muscat with 949.26 gm of MDMA worth ₹50 lakh.

Following the Money

At its heart, this operation is about dismantling the financial infrastructure that makes drug trafficking profitable. The ED isn’t just chasing drugs—they’re chasing the proceeds. From hawala channels moving crores of rupees to gold loans and shrimp farms allegedly purchased with drug money, the agency is tracing how illegal wealth becomes legitimate-looking assets.

One official noted that accused individuals often registered properties under family members' names or used third-party bank accounts to mask their transactions. The searches targeted these assets—homes, businesses, and vehicles—aiming to strike where it hurts most: the wallet.