Crystal Dike
No fewer than 50 Nigerian nationals have been arrested in one of India’s largest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational drug trafficking network, Indian authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The arrests followed a months-long intelligence-driven operation led by the Delhi Police in collaboration with the Telangana Police’s Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE), alongside police teams from Noida, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), and Gwalior, according to a report by Indian broadcaster NDTV.
Investigators said the operation culminated in simultaneous raids across Delhi, dismantling critical layers of a cartel involved in the large-scale distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine across several Indian cities.
Authorities revealed that the cartel operated an advanced customer network using encrypted communication platforms and app-based delivery systems modelled after food-delivery services. These methods enabled drug “dead drops,” allowing transactions without direct contact between dealers and buyers.
“The network was extremely sophisticated. They used layered communication channels and app-based delivery patterns to evade law-enforcement detection,” the report stated.
Police further disclosed that the syndicate’s distribution chain was closely connected to a sex-trade ring, which provided both operational cover and logistics for drug circulation.
Investigators have identified about 2,000 individuals who were allegedly supplied drugs through courier services and dead-drop methods. “The sex trade was used as a cover for drug supply and distribution, significantly extending the criminal reach of the cartel,” the report noted.
On the financial trail, authorities said the gang laundered drug proceeds through hawala operators, converting illicit earnings into goods such as garments and human hair, which were exported to Lagos, Nigeria, and disguised as legitimate commercial trade.
“The proceeds from drug sales were funnelled through local hawala operators who converted Indian rupees into export goods, effectively cleaning the illicit earnings,” officials said.
One identified kingpin is suspected to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through hawala channels.
Indian police described the arrest of the 50 Nigerians on Thursday as a major breakthrough in ongoing multi-agency efforts to dismantle what they termed an “entrenched and continually evolving” narcotics supply chain.
Officials added that the next phase of the investigation will focus on strengthening immigration checks, tracking hawala facilitators, and identifying remaining cartel leaders believed to be operating from outside India.