India deports 32 Nigerians over drug trafficking

Indian authorities have deported 32 Nigerians as part of an intensified crackdown on an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating across Delhi.

The deportation comes less than two weeks after the EAGLE anti-narcotics unit, in collaboration with the Delhi Police, arrested 50 foreign nationals believed to be connected to a sprawling drug-peddling ring.

According to a report by the Times of India on Wednesday, investigators traced the network to a suspected kingpin identified as “Nick,” who is believed to be operating from Nigeria.

Officials said Nick is wanted in multiple cases filed by the EAGLE team and is thought to have “about 100 associates in Delhi alone.”

Authorities said the syndicate ran an extensive operation across India, serving more than 3,000 clients based on records retrieved from seized devices.

Investigators also uncovered suspected money-laundering schemes involving Indian individuals and companies.

In one case, a local publisher allegedly laundered ₹20 lakh to Nigeria in partnership with members of the syndicate.

Other peddlers reportedly worked with businessmen in the footwear and apparel sectors to channel drug proceeds.

One suspect, identified as Badruddin, was described as a key associate of Nick.

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Though he claimed to run a garments business, police said the business was fake and was used to launder illegal funds.

Investigators discovered that ₹15 crore deposited into his accounts had been swiftly withdrawn and circulated through intermediaries.

EAGLE officials are expected to take Badruddin into further custody, with indications that he may be added as a defendant in related cases in Telangana.

Of the 50 Nigerians arrested in the initial sweep, 32 were deported “on priority,” while seven are facing criminal charges following the recovery of drugs from their possession.

The remaining detainees may also be deported after screening.

Investigators revealed that the traffickers often used courier services to transport drugs, disguising contraband as regular packages.

CCTV footage from courier outlets reportedly showed staff conducting only superficial checks, allowing concealed substances to pass through undetected.

Authorities added that the investigation is ongoing, with plans underway to identify and prosecute individuals suspected of facilitating the movement of the syndicate’s drug money.

The Star