Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerians linked to a transnational drug network.
This comes barely two weeks after security operatives
arrested about 50 suspects in a multi-state narcotics raid.
The arrests were part of one of India’s largest coordinated
crackdowns on a foreign-run drug and hawala syndicate operating across major
cities.
In an update, Times of India revealed that investigators
traced the network to a Nigeria-based kingpin identified simply as “Nick,” who
is reportedly wanted in several drug-trafficking cases.
According to senior officials of the Elite Anti-Narcotics
Group for Law Enforcement police unit, all the Nigerians arrested in Delhi were
allegedly working for the fugitive kingpin.
The report stated: “Less than 10 days after the EAGLE team,
in coordination with the Delhi police, nabbed 50 Nigerians linked to drug
peddling, 32 of them have been deported.
“During the probe, the officials found that the foreign drug
peddlers were working for one Nick, who is wanted in multiple cases registered
by EAGLE.”
Officials also disclosed in the report that the fugitive
kingpin, believed to be operating from Nigeria, maintained about 100 associates
in Delhi alone, expanding what police now describe as a multi-layered supply
chain that feeds clients nationwide.
“Investigators told the Times Of India that a forensic
review of digital devices recovered from the suspects showed the network had
over 3,000 clientele across India, with customer lists pieced together from
payment trails, encrypted chats, and delivery contacts.”
“In some instances, the payments were routed through
businesses that appeared legitimate on paper but existed primarily to launder
drug money,” the report added.
The report further stated that “EAGLE’s probe also uncovered
a chain of companies allegedly used to clean illicit proceeds.”
“Furthermore, in another instance, a publisher laundered Rs
20 lakh to Nigeria after partnering with the peddlers. Similarly, peddlers tied
up with businessmen dealing in footwear and apparel,” the report quoted
investigators as having disclosed.
The report added that the Delhi Police moved swiftly to
deport 32 of the Nigerian nationals “on priority,” while seven others are
facing prosecution after drugs were recovered from them during the raid.
The remaining suspects, officials said, “may also be
deported” pending clearance and documentation reviews.
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