Indian authorities have detained no fewer than 50 Nigerians in what has been described as one of the country’s largest coordinated operations against a transnational drug network. The suspects are believed to be part of a widespread narcotics and hawala-laundering structure operating across several major Indian cities.
According to a Thursday report by NDTV, the operation was jointly executed by the Delhi Police and the EAGLE unit of the Telangana Police.
Months of surveillance reportedly led to several synchronised raids across Delhi, during which security officials dismantled crucial segments of a cartel responsible for distributing methamphetamine and cocaine across the country.
The report indicated that investigators discovered that the syndicate relied on encrypted messaging and delivery systems similar to food-delivery applications to carry out drug “dead drops” and avoid direct contact.
“The network was extremely sophisticated. They used layered communication channels and app-based delivery patterns to evade law-enforcement detection,” the report stated.
Authorities further noted that the drug-distribution chain was also intertwined with an active sex-trade ring, which served both operational and logistical purposes.
The report added, “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.”
It also 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.”
On the financial front, officials explained that the cartel channelled its revenue through hawala operatives. The illicit funds were converted into goods—such as human hair and garments—which were then shipped to Lagos, Nigeria, to disguise the drug profits as genuine 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.
The crackdown on the 50 Nigerian suspects is considered a major milestone in India’s multi-agency effort to dismantle entrenched drug networks.
Earlier reports had highlighted several arrests of Nigerians involved in synthetic-drug trafficking across cities such as Bengaluru, Delhi, and Goa, where methamphetamine distribution rings were uncovered.
Authorities said the next stage of the investigation will concentrate on immigration scrutiny, tracking hawala channels, and identifying remaining cartel leaders believed to be operating outside India.
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