The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids across several cities in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday as part of an investigation into money laundering linked to drug trafficking involving former DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq and others, reports NDTV.

Approximately 25 premises in Chennai, Madurai, and Tiruchirappalli, accompanied by central paramilitary forces, are being searched under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).

The residences of Sadiq, who is also a Tamil film producer, film director Ameer, and several others are among those being investigated.

Jaffer Sadiq, aged 36, was apprehended by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) last month for his alleged role in smuggling approximately 3,500 kg of pseudoephedrine valued at over ₹ 2,000 crore.

The Enforcement Directorate initiated a money laundering case against Sadiq and others based on information from the NCB and other FIRs.

The NCB has indicated that it is scrutinizing Sadiq's connections with Tamil and Hindi film financiers, certain "high-profile" individuals, and instances of "political funding."

Sadiq was expelled from the ruling DMK party in February following revelations from the NCB regarding his alleged involvement in the drug network.