50 Nigerians arrested in India during major crackdown on narcotic syndicates

Friday, November 28, 2025 - At least 50 Nigerians have been arrested in one of India’s largest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational narcotics network, the Delhi Crime Branch.

According to NDTV, the operation, which involved months of intelligence gathering, culminated in the arrest of 50 Nigerian nationals in Delhi.

The operation was executed in close collaboration with the Telangana Police's Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement, along with police teams from Noida, Vizag, and Gwalior.

The suspects are believed to be linked to a sprawling drug-distribution and hawala laundering syndicate spread across several major cities in India.

According to the report, investigations revealed that the cartel maintained an extensive customer base using encrypted communication and delivery methods modelled after food-delivery apps to execute drug “dead drops” and avoid face-to-face exchanges.

“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 disclosed that the syndicate’s distribution chain was intertwined with a sex-trade ring, which provided both cover and logistics for drug circulation.

The report reads, “Investigators have identified approximately 2,000 individuals who were supplied drugs through courier and dead-drop methods.”

“Furthermore, the authorities uncovered that the sex trade was used as a cover for drug supply and distribution, extending the criminal reach of the cartel.”

The report further stated, “The operation, which involved months of intelligence gathering, culminated with the arrest of 50 Nigerian nationals in Delhi. This massive effort was executed in close collaboration with the Telangana Police’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement, along with police teams from Noida, Vizag, and Gwalior.”

Authorities also alleged that the cartel routed its proceeds through hawala operators. The illicit profits were converted into goods, including garments and human hair, which were exported to Lagos, Nigeria, disguising the drug earnings as legitimate trade.

“The proceeds from drug sales were funnelled through local hawala operators who converted the Indian Rupees into goods such as garments and human hair, shipped to Lagos, Nigeria, effectively cleaning the illicit earnings.”

“One identified kingpin is suspected to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through these hawala channels alone,” the report added.