A 34-year-old Nigerian national, Orachor Onyeka, is facing possible capital punishment after being arrested in India for alleged involvement in the trafficking of synthetic drugs.
Onyeka was apprehended by Indian authorities in Bhopal alongside a Thai woman, following a crackdown on a suspected drug syndicate operating in multiple cities, including Delhi.
His arrest, reported by the Times of India, is tied to India’s stringent Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985, which carries the death sentence for serious drug offences.
According to Indian police sources, Onyeka is believed to be a key figure in a transnational drug distribution network.
He reportedly supplied MDMA, a potent synthetic drug, to various dealers including individuals identified as Yasin and Shahwar, who were earlier taken into custody.
Investigations revealed that Onyeka had been residing in India for over seven years and operated a wide drug network across several cities.
Authorities say he used encrypted messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram to connect with clients and coordinate deliveries.
“He is already facing multiple charges under the Foreigners Act and fraud-related offences at the DLF Phase-1 Police Station in Delhi,” the report stated.
Police suspect Onyeka may also have been involved in the illegal production of MDMA from a concealed location within the country.
Meanwhile, the Thai woman was arrested at a spa centre in Bhopal, prompting concerns about illicit activities possibly taking place in similar establishments across the city.
Investigators say several SIM cards registered under Indian identities were recovered from both suspects.
Speaking on the development, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), Shailendra Singh Chouhan, confirmed the discovery of multiple Indian SIM cards, allegedly obtained using forged documents.
“We are tracking the individuals in whose names the SIM cards were issued,” Chouhan said. “If it is confirmed that the documents were fraudulently used, a separate First Information Report (FIR) will be filed.”
Authorities have also launched a manhunt for additional suspects believed to be connected to the syndicate.
The case underscores growing concerns over the rising influence of international drug cartels within India and the use of digital platforms to evade law enforcement.