Delhi Court Grants Bail to Jaffer Sadiq in Drug Case, But He Remains in Custody for Money Laundering

A Delhi court has granted bail to former DMK leader Jaffer Sadiq in a drug-related case registered by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). However, he will remain in custody for a money laundering case investigated by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Bail Granted in Drug Case

Special Judge Sudhir Kumar Sirohi granted bail to Jaffer Sadiq, noting that the alleged recovery of drugs was not from his possession. Sadiq was granted bail on furnishing a bond of Rs one lakh and two sureties of the same amount. He must surrender his passport and cannot leave the country without court permission.

Money Laundering Case

On June 26, the ED arrested Sadiq in a drug-related money laundering case. He was interrogated in Tihar Jail, where he was already lodged for the NDPS case. The court allowed the ED to examine Sadiq and record his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

ED’s Investigation

The ED, represented by Special Public Prosecutor NK Matta, was permitted to take a laptop and printer to record Sadiq’s statements. The investigation involves the recovery of 50 kg of pseudoephedrine. The ED had previously conducted raids in Tamil Nadu as part of this investigation.

Background

The NCB had arrested Sadiq for his alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking case. The NCB found that Sadiq was leading a network that trafficked pseudoephedrine to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia. The syndicate reportedly sent 45 consignments over three years, containing approximately 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine.