50 Nigerians Arrested In India Drug Crackdown

No fewer than 50 Nigerians have been arrested in one of India’s largest coordinated operations targeting a transnational narcotics network.

The suspects were believed to be linked to a sprawling drug-distribution and hawala-laundering syndicate operating across several major Indian cities.

According to a report by NDTV on Thursday, the crackdown was led by the Delhi Police in collaboration with the Telangana Police’s EAGLE unit.

Months of intelligence gathering culminated in days of simultaneous raids across Delhi, dismantling key layers of a cartel involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine and cocaine.

Investigators revealed that the cartel used encrypted communications and delivery methods modelled after food-delivery apps to execute “dead-drop” drug exchanges and avoid direct contact with buyers.

“The network was extremely sophisticated. They used layered communication channels and app-based delivery patterns to evade law-enforcement detection,” the report stated.

Officials also uncovered links between the syndicate and a sex-trade ring, which was reportedly used both as cover and logistics for drug distribution. Investigators have identified approximately 2,000 individuals who received drugs through courier and dead-drop methods.

The operation involved coordinated police efforts from Delhi, Noida, Vizag, Gwalior, and the Telangana Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement.

Authorities said the cartel’s proceeds were laundered through hawala operators and converted into goods such as garments and human hair, which were exported to Lagos, Nigeria, disguising the illicit profits as legitimate trade. One kingpin is suspected to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through these channels alone.

NDTV noted that the arrests of the 50 Nigerian nationals marked a pivotal moment in multi-agency efforts to dismantle entrenched drug cartels.

Indian police described the syndicate as “entrenched and continually evolving”. They said the next phase of the investigation will focus on tightening immigration checks, tracking hawala facilitators, and identifying remaining cartel leaders operating from outside India.