ED Raids Six Premises in Tamil Nadu Over Alleged Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Madurai Sub Zonal Office, conducted search operations at six residential premises in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district on September 3, 2026, as part of a money laundering investigation linked to the alleged illegal trafficking of methamphetamine and ganja.
The investigation was initiated following a complaint filed by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Chennai Zonal Unit, before the Special Court dealing with Economic Crimes and NDPS Act cases. The complaint relates to the alleged trafficking of psychotropic substances, including methamphetamine and ganja.
According to the investigation, the NCB intercepted M. Alex, a resident of Vilundamavadi in Nagapattinam, on April 13, 2025, near Bharathi Nagar on the Pudukkottai–Madurai Road at Melavilakudi. He was allegedly found carrying methamphetamine hydrochloride. The agency also identified him as a repeat offender.
M. Alex and his father, Mahalingam, have reportedly been named in several other FIRs registered by Tamil Nadu Police during 2023 and 2024 in connection with the alleged trafficking of methamphetamine and ganja.
The ED’s investigation has indicated that M. Alex allegedly generated substantial illegal income through drug trafficking. The agency suspects that the proceeds were used to acquire multiple immovable properties, shrimp farms and vehicles.
The properties allegedly acquired using these funds include shrimp farms in Nagapattinam, Velankanni and Thaliyamadi. According to the ED, several assets were registered in the names of M. Alex and his family members.
Investigators also found indications that the alleged proceeds of crime were routed through the bank accounts of family members and other individuals to conceal their origin. The ED further alleged that loans were obtained in the names of relatives and third-party associates, with repayments subsequently made in cash using the suspected proceeds of drug trafficking. These funds were allegedly routed through other entities as part of the money laundering process.
During the September 3 searches, the ED seized digital devices and documents believed to contain details of financial transactions and investments in immovable properties linked to the accused.
The seized material is expected to assist investigators in tracing the alleged proceeds of crime and identifying assets that may have been acquired using money generated through illegal drug trafficking.
News Source : Directorate of Enforcement (ED) – Official Press Release, Government of India
