Indian authorities have arrested three Nigerian nationals over their alleged involvement in an international drug trafficking operation, recovering narcotics valued at an estimated Rs23 crore during separate operations.
The arrests were carried out by operatives of the Anti-Narcotic Wing of the Central Crime Branch following intelligence reports linking the suspects to the illicit drug trade.
According to a report by The New Indian Express, the suspects were identified as Ambemo Victor, 37; Chime Moses, 36; and Karikari Ames, 33.
Investigators alleged that the three Nigerians entered India on medical and tourist visas before becoming involved in drug trafficking activities.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects obtained the narcotics from another Nigerian believed to be based in Delhi.
Authorities disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during a raid on a residence within the Madanayakanahalli police jurisdiction after security operatives acted on credible intelligence.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered 10.27 kilograms of MDMA crystals and 2.044 kilograms of hydroponic cannabis, with the seized drugs estimated to be worth about Rs23 crore.
The police said investigations were ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the alleged drug syndicate.
The latest arrests come barely two months after four other Nigerians were apprehended in India over separate allegations of fraud and impersonation.
In May, Indian authorities arrested three Nigerians identified as Chinedu, Sunday and Jules over an alleged online fraud scheme in Gurugram, where they were accused of impersonating women on social media to defraud unsuspecting victims.
In a separate operation, another Nigerian, identified as Uchenwa, was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force over alleged criminal activities.
Indian police had earlier disclosed that mobile phones, a laptop and several local and international SIM cards were recovered during the previous operation as investigations into the suspected fraud network continued.
