New Delhi, May 26 -- The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Tuesday conducted search operations at five locations across Madurai and Chennai in connection with a major drug smuggling syndicate allegedly involved in trafficking narcotics to Sri Lanka via sea routes.

Officials said the cartel is accused of smuggling large quantities of contraband, including 99 kg of hashish, estimated to be worth Rs 108 crore and 37.5 kg of Methamphetamine, commonly known as "ICE," valued at around Rs 150 crore in the international market.

The searches are being carried out by the ED's Chennai Zonal Office under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The investigation was initiated based on two criminal complaints filed by the Direc...