In a significant international narcotics crackdown, Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerians linked to a sprawling transnational drug network, just weeks after a major multi-state raid led to the arrest of approximately 50 suspects.
The operation, spearheaded by India's Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) in coordination with Delhi Police, has uncovered a sophisticated syndicate allegedly controlled by a Nigeria-based fugitive kingpin. According to a detailed report in the Times of India, investigators have traced the network's operations to an individual identified simply as "Nick," who is wanted in several drug-trafficking cases.
The Times of India report stated: "Less than 10 days after the EAGLE team, in coordination with the Delhi police, nabbed 50 Nigerians linked to drug peddling, 32 of them have been deported... During the probe, the officials found that the foreign drug peddlers were working for one Nick, who is wanted in multiple cases registered by EAGLE."
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The investigation revealed a deeply entrenched operation. Officials disclosed that the fugitive kingpin maintained about 100 associates in Delhi alone, managing a multi-layered supply chain that serviced a vast clientele. A forensic analysis of seized digital devices painted a startling picture of the network's scale.
Investigators quoted in the report revealed: "Investigators told the TOI that a forensic review of digital devices recovered from the suspects showed the network had over 3,000 clientele across India, with customer lists pieced together from payment trails, encrypted chats, and delivery contacts."
The probe also uncovered complex money laundering methods. The report detailed that payments were often routed through seemingly legitimate businesses, including a publishing firm and companies dealing in footwear and apparel, to clean illicit proceeds and funnel money back to Nigeria.
Following the raids, the Delhi Police moved swiftly to deport 32 of the Nigerian nationals "on priority." Seven others are facing prosecution after drugs were directly recovered from them, while the remaining suspects may also be deported pending further legal and documentation reviews. This crackdown highlights the ongoing global challenge of combating organized international drug trafficking networks.
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