Chennai: A drug trafficking gang forced young women to buy and peddle drugs after blackmailing them using photographs taken after getting them addicted to narcotics. The racket came to light after Kilpauk police arrested three people, including two women, and seized 50g of methamphetamine near Egmore.Police said the gang procured narcotics from Bengaluru and Hyderabad and supplied them to customers attending parties at star hotels, software professionals and youngsters from affluent families in Chennai.Acting on a tip-off about three people moving suspiciously near a subway, a special police team intercepted them and searched their belongings. The team recovered 50 grams of methamphetamine and took the suspects to Kilpauk police station for questioning.The arrested were identified as Mohammed Azharuddin, 29, of Mannady, Sara, 22, a makeup artist from Tiruvottiyur, and a 20-year-old college student. Police said Azharuddin was involved in several criminal cases.Police said the gang initially lured young women into drug trafficking by promising substantial earnings and a luxurious lifestyle. The suspects convinced them that they could overcome financial difficulties and quickly earn enough money to buy houses and cars by selling narcotics.Police are searching for three more suspected members of the network. Further investigations are on to identify the gang’s suppliers, customers and other associates involved in the racket.
