India’s Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Tiruchy zone, arrested two persons, including a Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) functionary, and seized 100 kg of methamphetamine in Nagapattinam on Friday.

The drug was allegedly intended to be smuggled to Sri Lanka and distributed through a network of associates.

The arrested persons were identified as N Boopalan (42), an advocate and TVK Nagapattinam district executive committee member from Chinthamani Main Road near Velankanni, and J Sughan alias Suganathan (27) of Prathaparamanallur. His brother, J Parthiban (29), and D Sathish (30), of the same locality, were detained for inquiry.

Acting on intelligence inputs about the smuggling of methamphetamine from Nagapattinam to Sri Lanka, a 16-member DRI team raided Sughan's house at Prathaparamanallur around 6 am on Friday. After questioning Sughan, his brother and their associates, officials reportedly identified Boopalan as the alleged mastermind behind the operation.

A separate team of eight officials subsequently searched Boopalan's house. The investigation revealed that Sughan operated a lodging facility in Velankanni on a lease and that Boopalan's wife was from Sri Lanka. Officials suspect that the Sri Lankan connection was used to facilitate the alleged smuggling operation.

The investigation also indicated that Boopalan had been involved in drug trafficking for a few months along with Sughan, Parthiban and Sathish. The drugs were reportedly transported from Chennai and were being stored for distribution to various parts of Tamil Nadu. The DRI seized the contraband and arrested all four after the searches and questioning.

The accused and the seized drugs were taken to the Nagapattinam Customs office in India for further investigation.

Meanwhile, TVK Nagapattinam district secretary M Sugumaran announced Boopalan's removal from the party's primary membership and all responsibilities, citing allegations of involvement in high-grade narcotics trafficking and conduct contrary to the party's principles. He also urged party cadres to sever ties with Boopalan, who had served as the party's in-charge for the Kilvelur Assembly constituency in India during the 2026 Assembly elections.

Source: DT Next

--Agencies