India Deports 32 Nigerians After Major Drug Trafficking Bust
Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerian nationals following a major crackdown on a transnational drug trafficking network operating across several cities.
The deportations come less than two weeks after security agencies arrested about 50 suspects during one of India’s largest coordinated multi-state narcotics raids targeting a foreign-run drug and hawala syndicate.
According to the Times of India, investigators traced the operation to a Nigeria-based kingpin identified only as “Nick,” who is reportedly wanted in multiple drug trafficking cases. Senior officials of the Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE) disclosed that the Nigerians arrested in Delhi were allegedly working for the fugitive.
“Less than 10 days after the EAGLE team, in coordination with the Delhi Police, arrested 50 Nigerians linked to drug peddling, 32 of them have been deported,” the report quoted officials as saying. Authorities added that the suspect kingpin is believed to be operating from Nigeria.
Investigations revealed that the alleged mastermind maintained about 100 associates in Delhi alone, forming a multi-layered supply chain catering to clients across India. A forensic analysis of digital devices recovered during the raids reportedly showed the network had more than 3,000 customers nationwide, identified through payment trails, encrypted messages and delivery records.
Officials said some payments were channelled through businesses that appeared legitimate but were allegedly used to launder drug proceeds. The probe also uncovered a network of companies suspected to have been set up to clean illicit funds.
In one case, investigators claimed a publisher transferred about ₹20 lakh to Nigeria after collaborating with the suspects. Others were said to have partnered with business owners in the footwear and apparel sectors to move money.
The report added that Delhi Police moved swiftly to deport 32 of the Nigerians “on priority,” while seven others are currently facing prosecution after narcotics were recovered from them. Authorities said the remaining suspects may also be deported pending documentation and clearance.
