Drug trafficking crackdown: India deports 32 Nigerians linked to major narcotics network

Keep up with the latest news and be part of our weekly giveaways and airtime sharing; follow our WhatsApp channel for more updates. Click to Follow us

Following a broad multi-state operation that resulted in the arrest of over 50 people, Indian officials deported 32 Nigerian nationals who were reportedly involved in a large global drug ring.

A foreign-led drug and hawala network operating in multiple major cities was the target of one of India’s largest coordinated crackdowns two weeks ago.

Investigators believe the conspiracy is run by a Nigerian cartel commander known only as “Nick,” who is wanted in several drug-trafficking cases, according to new information released by the Times of India last week.

Senior officials in India’s Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) claimed that every Nigerian detained in Delhi was directly employed by the fugitive kingpin.

“Less than 10 days after the joint operation by the EAGLE team and Delhi Police resulted in the arrest of 50 Nigerians involved in drug peddling, 32 have now been deported,” the report confirmed.

Officials reportedly found throughout the inquiry that the network depended on a convoluted hierarchy of foreign agents who assisted in the distribution of drugs throughout India.

At least 100 colleagues are being maintained by “Nick,” who is thought to be overseeing activities from Nigeria, in Delhi alone.

The Times of India was informed by investigators that a forensic analysis of confiscated laptops and cell phones showed a large clientele of over 3,000 people across the country.

Police were able to piece together the syndicate’s activities with the use of payment records, encrypted chats, and delivery connections.

Authorities disclosed that a portion of the funds were transferred through companies that seemed genuine but served mainly as fronts for the laundering of narcotics proceeds.

Authorities also discovered a network of businesses purportedly involved in the movement of illegal money, including a publishing company that allegedly sent ₹20 lakh to Nigeria.

In order to conceal financial transactions connected to the drug trade, a number of peddlers also worked with proprietors of shoe and apparel businesses.

32 of the Nigerians who were detained were deported “as a priority,” according to the police, while seven are still being held and could face charges after drugs were discovered in their presence.

Once the legal and documentation procedures are finished, the remaining suspects may also be deported.

Please don’t forget to “Allow the notification” so you will be the first to get our gist when we publish it. 
Drop your comment in the section below, and don’t forget to share the post.