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Tamil Nadu politician arrested in India over Sri Lanka drug smuggling plot

Indian authorities have arrested a senior member of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam political party along with three others in connection with an alleged scheme to smuggle methamphetamine to Sri Lanka by sea. Police recovered 100 kilogrammes of the drug during the operation.

LSN Sri Lanka · 17 October 2026

Tamil Nadu politician arrested in India over Sri Lanka drug smuggling plot

Intelligence officials in India apprehended the four suspects following an investigation into plans to transport narcotics across the Indian Ocean to Sri Lanka, according to reports from Indian media outlets. The arrests represent the latest in a series of drug trafficking cases affecting the region, where transnational smuggling networks continue to pose challenges for law enforcement agencies.

The recovery of 100 kilogrammes of methamphetamine marks a significant seizure and underscores the scale of operations targeting Sri Lanka as a transit or destination point for illicit substances. The involvement of a political functionary in Tamil Nadu adds a notable dimension to the case, potentially raising questions about the extent of organised criminal networks in the region.

The arrests come as both Indian and Sri Lankan authorities have intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking. Maritime routes between India and Sri Lanka have emerged as key corridors for smuggling operations, prompting increased cooperation between coast guards and law enforcement agencies in both nations. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities expected to pursue additional leads related to the smuggling network.