India deports 32 Nigerians in drug trafficking crackdown
Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerians connected to a cross-border drug ring, just weeks after security agencies arrested about 50 suspects during a large multi-state narcotics operation.
PUNCH Metro earlier reported that the arrests were part of one of India’s biggest coordinated actions targeting a foreign-led drug and hawala network active in several major cities.
A new report by the Times of India on Wednesday said investigators traced the syndicate to a Nigeria-based mastermind known as “Nick,” who is wanted in multiple drug-trafficking cases.
According to senior officials of the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), all Nigerians arrested in Delhi were allegedly working for this fugitive leader.
“Less than 10 days after the EAGLE team, working with the Delhi Police, detained 50 Nigerians involved in drug peddling, 32 have now been deported,” the report noted.
Investigators also found that the alleged kingpin, believed to be operating from Nigeria, had about 100 associates in Delhi alone, forming a multilayered supply network serving clients nationwide.
A forensic review of digital devices recovered from the suspects revealed that the network had more than 3,000 clients across India, with customer details traced through payment records, encrypted messages, and delivery information.
The probe further uncovered businesses that appeared legitimate but were used to channel drug proceeds.
In one case, a publisher allegedly transferred Rs 20 lakh to Nigeria after collaborating with the traffickers. Investigators also found links to local business owners in the footwear and clothing sectors.
According to the report, Delhi Police hurriedly processed the deportation of 32 of the Nigerians, while seven others will face prosecution because drugs were recovered from them during the operation.
Officials added that the remaining suspects could also be deported once documentation and clearance procedures are completed.