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In a scenario reminiscent of the famous TV series ‘Breaking Bad’, where an ordinary chemistry teacher turned into a methamphetamine (meth) kingpin, Tamil Nadu finds itself grappling with a surging meth crisis. The recent spate of meth-related arrests and high-profile drug busts has exposed a dark underworld, bringing to light a growing network of synthetic drug operations, far more dangerous and complex than the state’s traditional battle against cannabis and ganja.
The urgency of the crisis has prompted a rare public appeal from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin himself, who took to social media with a personal video message. In it, he refers to himself as a “father figure” imploring Tamil Nadu’s youth to shun drugs. Yet, even as this heartfelt plea resonates across the state, the headlines continue to capture new arrests and drug busts, marking the rise of meth as an insidious new chapter in Tamil Nadu’s drug struggle.
The Meth Seizure Wave
Traditionally, Tamil Nadu’s law enforcement efforts against narcotics have focused on substances like ganja, gutka, and heroin. Yet, recent incidents show that methamphetamine, a potent synthetic stimulant, has started gaining a foothold. In October alone, Tamil Nadu police seized methamphetamine worth crores of rupees and arrested several individuals involved in its production and distribution, marking a shift towards tackling synthetic drugs more seriously.
One of the most notable busts occurred in Kodungaiyur, Chennai where a makeshift meth lab operated by a group of young engineering and chemistry graduates was uncovered. Led by a 22-year-old M.Sc Chemistry student, these young adults allegedly procured chemicals and produced meth at home, selling it through various networks. The involvement of educated youths in drug production shocked many and underscored the need for preventive measures aimed at young people, particularly students.
Political Tensions and The Governor’s Rebuke
Tamil Nadu’s Governor R.N. Ravi recently criticized the state’s enforcement efforts, claiming that while central agencies have seized large quantities of synthetic drugs, the state police have not managed to seize even a single gram until recently. This statement, made during an anti-drug rally in Tenkasi, appeared to target Chief Minister Stalin, who oversees law enforcement.
Governor Ravi’s remarks highlight a longstanding tension between the state and central governments over drug enforcement effectiveness. The Governor has pointed to other states like Punjab and regions in the Northeast where drug addiction has devastated communities, warning that Tamil Nadu may be heading in a similar direction if robust action isn’t taken soon. He emphasized the importance of both government intervention and public participation to combat the escalating crisis.
The International Network: From Chennai to Sri Lanka and Beyond
Interrogations have revealed a complex international meth network operating out of Tamil Nadu. Police investigations indicate that Chennai has become a hub for meth smuggling, with links connecting smugglers to Sri Lanka and Russia. Individuals involved in the network, such as ‘Sahul’ and Sri Lankan drug tycoon ‘Muzahir Rizwan’, have allegedly established a lucrative cross-border trade route that has expanded meth distribution beyond Tamil Nadu’s borders.
Sahul’s group reportedly oversees meth production and smuggling in Tamil Nadu with headquarters in Manali, Chennai. Collaborating with Rizwan, Sahul transports meth from Chennai to Sri Lanka, where it is sold in both local and international markets. This high-profit network has even expanded to Dubai, where members of Sahul’s group manage hotels and shopping malls.
A Lucrative and Destructive Trade
The meth business is alarmingly profitable. Meth sold at INR 8,500 per gram in Tamil Nadu can fetch upwards of INR 80,000 in international markets. With demand outpacing supply in places like the United States, where meth smuggling routes have been disrupted due to border security issues, cartels are rerouting shipments through Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu.
This thriving trade has had tragic consequences in Tamil Nadu’s neighboring countries, with Sri Lanka particularly affected by a surge in drug addiction. The Tamil Nadu police are only beginning to address the meth crisis, aiming to dismantle these networks and prevent their spread within the state.
Government Measures and Police Efforts
In response to the mounting crisis, the Tamil Nadu government has established the Narcotics Intelligence Bureau (NCB) a special unit within the Chennai Metropolitan, Police aimed at tackling synthetic drug trafficking. Recent efforts have yielded arrests of foreign nationals, including Nigerian drug peddlers. Authorities have also set up testing facilities in Chennai to detect synthetic drug use, allowing for quicker identification and prosecution of meth users and traffickers.
Yet, political interventions sometimes hamper enforcement. In January 2024, Chennai Deputy Commissioner Rohith Nathan Rajagopal, who led several successful anti-drug operations, was transferred unexpectedly, raising questions about the continuity of these initiatives. For sustainable results, experts suggest that the police must be granted autonomy, free from political pressures that could standoff their work.
The Way Forward
In a chilling parallel to ‘Breaking Bad’, Tamil Nadu is now standing at a dangerous crossroads, caught between a rising tide of synthetic drugs and the devastating toll it could take on its future generations. The path it chooses will determine whether the meth crisis is a temporary menace or a tragedy that rewrites the lives of countless young people across the state.
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint