Indian security agencies have intensified their campaign against transnational drug cartels with the deportation of 32 Nigerians alleged to be part of a far-reaching narcotics syndicate reportedly directed from Nigeria.
The deportations followed coordinated raids across several states two weeks ago in what authorities described as one of the biggest operations targeting a foreign-controlled drug and hawala network.
Fresh details reported by the Times of India revealed that the dismantled ring is linked to a Nigeria-based cartel boss known simply as “Nick,” who has been under investigation for multiple drug offences.
According to senior officials of India’s Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE), the Nigerians arrested in Delhi were believed to be operatives working directly for 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.
Investigators reportedly uncovered a structured network of foreign nationals assigned to distribute narcotics across major urban centres, with “Nick” said to control more than 100 foot soldiers in Delhi alone.
A forensic analysis of seized devices was said to have exposed a sprawling customer chain of over 3,000 clients nationwide, with authorities mapping out the syndicate’s communication routes, payment channels and logistics pipelines.
Officials also traced portions of the proceeds to businesses masquerading as legitimate ventures but allegedly created to launder drug funds, including a publishing firm said to have sent ₹20 lakh to Nigeria.
Local traders dealing in clothing and footwear were likewise named for allegedly helping traffickers hide financial transactions linked to drug sales.
Police said the 32 Nigerians were removed from the country “as a priority,” while seven others remain in custody to face prosecution after drugs were recovered from them.
