At least 32 Nigerians have been deported from India following an extensive police operation targeting a suspected transnational drug trafficking network.
The deportations come weeks after a major coordinated raid conducted by Delhi Police and the Telangana Police EAGLE unit, which led to the arrest of 50 Nigerians allegedly tied to a wide-reaching narcotics syndicate.
Crackdown uncovers large drug and laundering ring
Investigators said the group operated a broad drug distribution and hawala-laundering network spanning several major Indian cities, according to local media reports.
The syndicate allegedly moved drugs from Delhi, disguising the shipments as regular courier packages to evade detection by security agencies.
Officials revealed that the arrested foreigners were working for a Nigerian kingpin identified as Nick, who is wanted in several cases filed by the EAGLE unit.
A senior official disclosed that Nick is believed to be coordinating operations from Nigeria, with an estimated 100 associates operating in Delhi alone.
Devices expose thousands of clients
“Analysis of the peddlers’ devices showed the network serves over 3,000 clients across India, based on payments traced. In one case, a publisher laundered 20 lakh to Nigeria in collusion with the peddlers, and others collaborated with businesses in footwear and apparel,” the official said.
Deportations and ongoing investigations
Of the 50 suspects arrested, 32 Nigerians were recently deported.
Seven individuals from whom drugs were recovered will face criminal prosecution in India.
Authorities added that the remaining suspects may also be deported as investigations widen to identify individuals and companies involved in laundering funds for the syndicate.