K. Annamalai, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, has raised concerns about the unchecked growth of expelled DMK functionary Jaffer Sadiq, who allegedly established ties with an international drug cartel. Annamalai’s remarks highlight a systemic failure within the state’s law enforcement agencies to monitor and take appropriate action against individuals involved in criminal activities.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Annamalai emphasized that Sadiq’s rapid ascent from being arrested in a drug case in Chennai in 2013 to becoming an “international drug criminal” over the span of 11 years underscores the lapses in monitoring and addressing criminal activities by the police department. Despite being previously apprehended, Sadiq reportedly continued to operate freely and even managed to take photographs with leaders of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.

Annamalai pointed out that the responsibility for overseeing law enforcement and public safety ultimately falls under the purview of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who also holds the Home portfolio. He criticized the lack of review meetings and proactive measures undertaken by the state government to address the escalating drug problem in Tamil Nadu.

Calling for concerted efforts to combat the drug menace, Annamalai urged the state government to engage with all stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the public, to develop comprehensive strategies for tackling drug-related crimes. He emphasized the importance of proactive monitoring and swift action to prevent individuals like Sadiq from proliferating criminal networks within the state.