50 Nigerians arrested in India drug bust as authorities dismantle major transnational narcotics network across multiple cities

Indian authorities arrested 50 Nigerian nationals in one of the country’s largest coordinated crackdowns on a transnational narcotics network, officials confirmed on Thursday.

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The arrests, carried out by the Delhi Police in partnership with the Telangana Police’s EAGLE unit, targeted a sprawling syndicate involved in methamphetamine and cocaine distribution.

Months of intelligence gathering led to simultaneous raids across Delhi, dismantling key tiers of the cartel and uncovering a network that relied on encrypted communications and app-based delivery systems to conduct “dead drops” and avoid direct contact with customers.

Investigators reported that the syndicate’s distribution chain intersected with a sex-trade ring, which provided both logistical support and cover for drug operations.

Authorities identified around 2,000 individuals linked to the network through couriered deliveries and secret drop points.

Financial inquiries revealed that cartel proceeds were laundered via hawala channels, converted into goods such as garments and human hair, and shipped to Lagos, Nigeria.

Officials stated that one key operator is believed to have laundered at least ₹15 crore through these channels alone.

The arrests mark a significant step in Indian law enforcement’s efforts to dismantle entrenched narcotics networks operating across multiple cities, including Noida, Vizag, and Gwalior.

Police indicated that the next phase of the investigation will focus on immigration enforcement, hawala facilitators, and identifying remaining cartel leaders outside India.

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Authorities described the operation as a pivotal moment in tackling organised crime and emphasised the sophisticated methods employed by the network to evade detection.